ExceptionalTherapy, Abuja (2025)

12/08/2025

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to become a special needs tutor! We can also train your child’s nanny on how to handle and work with your special child. Parents and teachers are welcome too.

01/07/2025

Happy New Month!

15/06/2025

Happy Father’s Day to the Silent Heroes

Today, we celebrate not just fathers — but warriors of patience, protectors of innocence, and pillars of strength.

To the fathers of children with special needs — you are seen.

We see the quiet moments when you hold back your tears so your child doesn’t see you break.
We see the endless appointments, the therapies, the battles with systems, the nights you lie awake wondering if you’re doing enough.
We see the joy in your eyes when your child says a word, takes a step, or simply smiles — milestones others may overlook, but to you, are miracles.

Your love isn’t just shown in hugs and words — it’s in the sacrifices you make, the strength you summon, and the way you keep showing up, even on the hardest days.

You are not alone. You are appreciated, deeply, and from the heart.
Your strength shapes a world where your child knows they are safe and loved, exactly as they are.

Thank you for staying, for fighting, for loving.
Today, we honor you.

With all our hearts —
Happy Father’s Day. 💜

10/06/2025

This is deeply wrong and heartbreaking. It shows just how much awareness and sensitization are still needed in this part of the world. Imagine a parent being asked to leave a mall simply because they have a child with special needs.

04/06/2025

They say the child is picky.
They say “he’s just being stubborn.”
They say “she will eat when she’s hungry.”

But nobody’s asking why the child is screaming at the sight of food.
Nobody’s asking why he gags before the spoon even touches his lips.
Nobody’s asking why she clutches her belly after every meal.

They call it “picky eating.”
But for some children, every bite hurts.

DEEPER PROBLEM

What if that “refusal to eat” is not a behavior problem... but a symptom?

🔴 A symptom of chronic reflux that burns their throat with every swallow.
Children with untreated acid reflux may avoid eating because it feels like swallowing fire. Every bite triggers a painful reaction, and they start to associate food with discomfort.

🔴 A sign of gut inflammation that makes digestion painful.
Inflammation in the digestive tract can cause cramps, bloating, or nausea. The discomfort after meals can become so frequent that children learn to avoid food altogether.

🔴 A reaction to food textures that feel like sandpaper in their mouth.
For sensory-sensitive children, especially those who are neurodivergent, certain food textures can be overwhelming. A mushy banana or a crunchy vegetable might feel unbearable, leading to gagging or meltdowns.

🔴 A body fighting hidden yeast, parasites, or food sensitivities that no one has checked for.
Unexplained fatigue, rashes, bloating, or behavioral shifts after eating can point to deeper issues like undiagnosed food allergies, intolerances, or gut infections. These aren’t always visible but can cause very real pain.

Instead of being supported and healed, these children are often misunderstood, shamed, or forced to eat foods that make them miserable.

So next time a child refuses food, pause and ask:
“What is their body trying to tell us?”
Because maybe just maybe they’re not being picky.
They’re in pain.

Exceptional Therapy
Victoria Odebiyi

02/06/2025

I want to share something that really stood out to me during a course I recently took with Harvard Medical School. It was one of those topics that made me pause and think deeply, not just as a parent, but as someone who supports and advocates for children with autism. The topic is called *Diagnostic Overshadowing*.

It's a term used in medicine, but it has very real and painful implications for our children. *Diagnostic overshadowing* happens when doctors or even caregivers see a person’s autism and immediately assume that all of their behaviors or struggles are just “part of the autism,” without checking for other possible medical causes.

Let me explain what that looks like with a real story about a boy I know personally, my cousin’s son, Tolu. Our families have always been close, and we’ve seen our children grow up side by side
Tolu is autistic, and he’s always been a sweet, calm boy. He loves to line up his toy cars, hum his favorite church songs, and spend hours flipping through picture books. He didn’t talk much, but he had his own way of showing love hugging tightly or holding your hand when he was happy.

But sometime last year, something changed.

He started having these intense meltdowns. He’d scream, hit his head, throw things, and even bite himself. He stopped sleeping at night, started refusing food, and would cry as if he was in pain but no one knew why. His mother was worried sick, but every time she took him to the hospital, the doctors would just say, “It’s the autism.” They kept referring her to behavioral therapy or telling her to “manage him well at home.”

But I knew Tolu. This wasn’t just autism. Something was wrong.

It took almost five months and plenty of prayers before a young doctor at a private clinic suggested doing some tests. Turns out, Tolu had severe tooth decay and an ear infection. Both had gone unnoticed because he couldn’t explain his pain. He was grinding his teeth constantly, rocking, screaming, and refusing to eat not because of behavior, but because he was suffering.

After they treated the infections and pulled the bad tooth, you wouldn’t believe the difference. Tolu began to sleep again. He smiled more. The meltdowns reduced drastically. It was like night and day.

That’s when I learned the term diagnostic overshadowing. It’s when medical professionals overlook other possible illnesses simply because a child is autistic. They see the diagnosis and stop looking further.

Parents, please don’t let anyone tell you that every new behavior is “just autism.” If your child suddenly changes sleeps less, cries more, becomes aggressive or withdrawn check their body first. Look for pain. Push for medical tests. You know your child best.

Behavior is communication. Sometimes, it’s the only way our children can tell us, “Mummy, something is wrong

01/06/2025

Celebrating my 2nd year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

27/05/2025

Happy Children’s Day
Today, we celebrate every child,their joy, their dreams, and the incredible light they bring to the world.
To our amazing children with special needs:
You inspire us with your courage, your unique gifts, and your constant strength.
You remind us that differences are beautiful, that love is universal, and that true strength comes in many forms.
Let’s keep building a world where every child is seen, heard, and embraced,because inclusion isn’t a favor, it’s a right.
You are valued. You are capable. You are extraordinary.

With love and pride,
Happy Children’s Day!

❤️ ♿️ 💙💚💛❤️

26/05/2025

.Speech Therapy — helping children find their voice.
Occupational Therapy — building strength for everyday success.
Behavioral Therapy — unlocking calm, confident communication.
Dietary Support — nutrition tailored for brighter brains and stronger bodies.

30/03/2025

Happy Mother’s Day to the moms who show up even when it’s hard, even when it’s messy, even when no one’s watching.

To the ones who’ve memorized the weight of silence and the volume of unspoken fears, who’ve learned to navigate meltdowns with patience that feels superhuman, and who’ve celebrated milestones the world might not even recognize as "big"you are extraordinary.

We know your love doesn’t always come with confetti and applause. Some days, it’s whispered into the dark after a long night, or folded into a packed lunch with a note only they understand, or worn like armor in another meeting where you fight for what your child deserves. You’ve carried worry like a second heartbeat and still found a way to laugh at the silly moments, to hold onto hope when the path feels uncertain.

You’ve cried in the car after drop-off. You’ve Googled until 2 a.m. You’ve rehearsed answers to judgmental stares in the grocery store. You’ve wondered, “Am I doing enough?” (Spoiler: You are. You always are.)

Today, we honor the way you love not perfectly, but ferociously. For every time you’ve said, “I’m here,” even when you felt lost. For every tiny victory you’ve cheered (a new word! A deep breath! A moment of connection!), and for every time you’ve held their hand and said, “Let’s try again tomorrow.”

Your child doesn’t need “typical.” They need you their safe place, their translator, their champion. You’ve taught them that their quirks are magic, their voice matters, and they are so deeply loved, exactly as they are.

This day is for you, the mom who’s probably got a to-do list a mile long (therapy appointments, emails, snacks that meet the texture requirements…), but still pauses to just be with your child. You’re not just raising a human you’re changing the world by teaching it to slow down, listen, and love bigger.

You’re exhausted, but you’re still here. You’re human, but you’re their hero. And today—and every day—we’re so grateful you exist.

Happy Mother’s Day. 💙
You’re doing an amazing job.

22/03/2025

Here are 10 facts about children with Down syndrome

Genetic Condition: Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21). This genetic variation occurs at conception and affects physical and cognitive development.

Common Physical Traits: Children with Down syndrome often share certain physical characteristics, such as almond-shaped eyes, a flattened facial profile, a single crease across the palm (simian crease), and low muscle tone (hypotonia).

Developmental Delays: Kids with Down syndrome typically experience delays in cognitive and physical development. However, the extent of these delays varies widely among individuals.

Unique Personalities: Children with Down syndrome have unique personalities, talents, and abilities. They are often described as affectionate, social, and joyful, though individual traits vary.

Health Concerns: They may have an increased risk of certain medical conditions, such as congenital heart defects, hearing loss, vision problems, thyroid issues, and a higher susceptibility to infections.

Early Intervention Helps: Early intervention programs, including speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, can significantly improve developmental outcomes and help children reach their full potential.

Inclusive Education: Many children with Down syndrome attend mainstream schools and benefit from inclusive education. With appropriate support, they can learn alongside their peers and achieve academic success.

Life Expectancy: Thanks to advances in medical care and societal support, the life expectancy for individuals with Down syndrome has increased significantly. Many now live into their 60s and beyond.

Strong Social Skills: Children with Down syndrome often have strong social skills and are very empathetic. They enjoy interacting with others and forming meaningful relationships.

Advocacy and Awareness: There is a growing global movement to promote inclusion, acceptance, and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome. Organizations and families advocate for their rights and celebrate their contributions to society.

Every child with Down syndrome is unique, and with love, support, and opportunities, they can lead fulfilling lives.

21/03/2025

The Day We Took Over the Playground

Let me tell you about the day I took a group of children with Down syndrome to the local playground. It was supposed to be a simple outing letting them play, explore, and interact with other kids. But it turned into so much more.

The plan was straightforward: give them the chance to enjoy the swings, slides, and sandbox while practicing social skills like taking turns and sharing. For many of them, this was their first time at a public playground without their parents. The excitement was palpable, but so was the nervousness. New environments, unfamiliar faces, and the noise of other children playing can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially for them.

We arrived, and immediately, the stares started. A group of kids playing nearby paused and whispered to each other, “Why do they look like that?” A parent sitting on a bench glanced at us, then quickly looked away. I took a deep breath and reminded myself why we were there. This wasn’t about them it was about the kids I was supporting.

First was Kemi, who loves the swings but is hesitant to ask for a turn. She stood nearby, watching the other kids, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress. I gently encouraged her, and after a few deep breaths, she walked up to a boy on the swing and said, “My turn, please?” The boy hesitated, but his mom, who’d been watching, smiled and said, “Of course! It’s her turn now.” Kemi’s face lit up as she climbed onto the swing. Small victory.

Next was Chidi, who adores the sandbox but struggles with sharing toys. He was happily building a sandcastle when another child reached for his shovel. Chidi’s first reaction was to hold it tightly, but I reminded him, “We share, remember?” He paused, then handed the shovel over with a shy smile. The other child grinned and said, “Thanks!” Another victory.

Then there was Adaora, who’s nonverbal and uses gestures to communicate. She loves the slide but gets anxious when it’s crowded. As she climbed up, a group of kids started rushing past her, and she froze, unsure what to do. A little girl noticed and said, “It’s okay, you can go first!” Adaora smiled and slid down, her laughter echoing across the playground.

By the time we were ready to leave, the atmosphere had shifted. The kids who’d been staring earlier were now playing alongside the group, laughing and sharing toys. The parent on the bench, who’d initially looked away, came over and said, “I didn’t understand at first, but watching them today… it was beautiful. Thank you for what you’re doing.”

That day wasn’t just about playing on the swings or building sandcastles. It was about breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and showing the world that children with Down syndrome belong in these spaces just as much as anyone else. It was a reminder that inclusion starts with understanding, patience, and kindness.

So, the next time you see a child who looks or acts differently, remember: they’re not out of place. They’re exactly where they’re supposed to be. And maybe, just maybe, you can smile instead of stare. 💛

ExceptionalTherapy

12/08/2025

01/07/2025

15/06/2025

10/06/2025

04/06/2025

02/06/2025

01/06/2025

27/05/2025

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22/03/2025

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