“Saisha’s world is filled with simple joys — balloons, water, and curiosity.”
I am delighted to share the story of another beautiful family I have had the privilege to work with. Seven-year-old Saisha is a sweet, chubby little girl with bright sparkling eyes that dance with excitement every time she plays with water or balloons.
She is on the autism spectrum and lives with her loving parents and her 10-year-old sister. The family began their RDI journey while living in Bangalore, and shortly after, they moved to Seattle, USA. Despite the major transition, their dedication to Saisha’s growth remained steady and inspiring.
Understanding Saisha’s World
“Meaningful connection starts with moments shared slowly, together.”
I met Saisha and her family during a visit to Bangalore, where I conducted the RD Assessment1 in their home.
Her mother, a graduate and now a full-time homemaker, carries a calm warmth. Her father, a software engineer at an IT Company, contributes a gentle steadiness to their home environment.
Although Saisha is verbal, she often repeats what she hears at the moment. Her world feels safe and delightful when filled with sensory play — bursting balloons, splashing water, repeating familiar sounds.
How the Family Discovered RDI
Before RDI, Saisha attended speech therapy, OT, and special education classes from age 3.5. Her parents heard about RDI through a friend who was already in the program and reached out with hope and curiosity.
During our first meeting:
- The father hoped Saisha would gain social understanding, friendships, and better attention.
- The mother dreamed of deeper emotional sharing — not just questions and answers, but real communication that is truly felt.
Their openness became the foundation of everything we built together.
Family Stressors and Daily Challenges
“Some nights were long — comforting Saisha meant midnight car drives.”
Life at home came with intense sensory-driven routines. Saisha often demanded long midnight car rides, and her parents followed her lead to keep her comfortable.
She loved repetitive sensory activities — balloons, water splashes, bursting sounds — insisting on them again and again. Her laughter was beautiful, but the repetition was exhausting.
As her parents said, “We understand Saisha, but she should also be able to understand us.”
In moments where guidance was needed, Saisha often replied with:
- screaming
- resisting
- attempts to bite
- refusing to engage
Her father, overwhelmed, even wore cotton in his ears during activities — and offered some to me during assessment with a tired smile. That moment stays with me.
A Relationship Re-Discovered
“Co-regulation opens the door to deeper engagement.”
We began with simple Co-regulation activities, using everyday routines to help Saisha feel safe, predictable, and connected. The family embraced the RDI journey with openness and trust, taking time to slow down, savor small moments, and nurture connection through shared experiences.
For example, Saisha and her mom traced her hand with a pencil, gently placed beans along the outline, and filled the shape with soft shades of color. With each deliberate, calming step, Saisha began to settle, her world slowing down as they shared this simple, meaningful moment together.
Soon, the family began noticing small but meaningful changes:
- more shared attention
- fewer overwhelming moments
- smoother routines
- reduced stress
- more joy in everyday interactions
Want to know more about Co-regulation?
👉 Read our blog on Co-Regulation here — the gentle art of emotional partnering!
Their journey is a reminder that growth unfolds when we slow down, stay present, and meet the child where they are.
It has been a privilege to walk alongside this family as they discover deeper connection, mutual understanding, and joy with their little girl.
🌟 Parent Feedback After 9 Months
“After starting RDI, we have seen great improvement in our child’s emotional connection, understanding, speech, active involvement, and independence. Shailaja madam guides us with clear feedback and practical strategies, supporting us every step. We are grateful for her.”
