BAGUIO, Philippines – As soon as the front door of the Ticyoden-Gawec family house was opened, someone ran toward the visitor and deftly placed a lei of big, red strawberries over their head. It was nine-year-old Amron Dave, with a big smile on his face. He threw his arms around the visitor’s neck, and the visitor hugged him back. That was the first time they met.
In the living room, there are small clay figures on display, grouped into dinosaurs and sports. Amron talked about each piece.
Amron’s grandmother, Norma Ticyoden, participated in a trade fair held in July at the Benguet provincial capitol, at the booth assigned to Kibungan town, where she sold bottles of her “Little Less Strawberry Preserves.”
Almost the entire length of the table was occupied by various crocheted dolls of different sizes and trinkets like keychains and lip balm holders. These items were handmade by Amron, her eldest grandson, who is a child with special needs.
One of Amron’s signature designs was inspired by what he observed on their strawberry farm, with a humorous take: a snail carrying a strawberry on its back.
Amron was diagnosed with a speech delay at five years old. His mother, Lennie, who had been working as a trainer in baking and food processing at the Benguet State University in La Trinidad Valley, decided to return to their home in the mountains to focus her energies on implementing interventions recommended by the doctor. Amron started attending therapy sessions once a week in La Trinidad, about 60 kilometers away.
When the family of farmers traveled with their harvest to the trading post, Lennie and Amron hitched a ride for their weekly appointment.
“The doctor showed us which pressure points to press on his hands whenever he would start to throw tantrums,” Lennie recalled. Soon, Amron knew to stretch out his hands whenever he felt he needed to calm down.
He started using dough to form various figures from big batches that Lennie made when she had food orders. “But those hardened and crumbled by the morning,” she said.
Then she bought modeling clay for Amron, and he quickly took to making various figures.
Lola Norma, who had learned how to crochet in elementary school, taught her children the skill. Lennie took it up as a hobby but never taught Amron. One day, when they were at a community crocheting seminar, she was surprised that he took to it immediately. Soon, he was sitting quietly for hours, and by the end of the day, had several pieces to show for it.
“He was hyperactive, and it is a good outlet for his energies. We don’t need to supervise him; we just make sure to converse with him.” The entire family supports Amron’s development.
After two years, his doctor said Amron no longer needed regular therapy but admonished them: “Don’t use baby talk; communicate with him and build his socialization skills; and do not put him in special education.”
When he was in 2nd grade, Amron was chosen to represent his school in athletics at the district Para Games.
“When we got there, after he saw the other athletes, he wanted to go home. He said: ‘They are so giant!’” Lennie recalled.
He earned first place in the discus throw, javelin throw, and triple long jump in his category at the Kibungan District Athletic Selection Meet and competed at the Provincial Athletic Meet. The following year, he was the lone representative of his school at the Provincial Athletic Meet.
Last school year, Rosalinda Calawa handled the playtime session for learners with special education needs (LSENs) at Camilo Lucaben Elementary School, among them was Amron.
She observed that Amron now rarely throws tantrums and has matured, growing into his role as an older brother not only to his own sister but also to other students.
“His coaches also took note that he now listens more carefully to their instructions. And unlike his first year as a para athlete, when he threw tantrums whenever he lost, now, even if he finishes only in third place, he accepts the outcome,” she explained.
According to Calawa, though the group is composed of students from different grade levels, materials are adapted to the capacity of each learner.
Amron’s involvement in sports and the Cub Scouts (he’ll be advancing to Boy Scouts this year), in addition to classes with the rest of his classmates, has improved his demeanor, Lennie said. It also helps that, in the community, when he is called upon to present his crocheted works to guests as souvenirs, he interacts with them. He even stood in front to testify at their Pentecostal group gathering. These opportunities have broadened his horizons.
Since the yarn that he uses is quite expensive and they have to buy it at the Baguio Market, sales from Amron’s “Little Less Yarns and Hook Creations” (finished by Norma and Lennie) help augment their spending.
After a chat with Amron, it was learned that his favorite subject in school is Math, he likes to eat fish and vegetables, and he is looking forward to becoming a Boy Scout.
When bidding Amron goodbye, he said, “No! Why?” The response was that a return visit would be made soon. He rewarded them with a wide smile, a tight hug, and an enthusiastic wave. – Rappler.com
