Thread by @askdheeraj

A year ago I got a call from a Prof of Developmental Pediatrics. He asked me if he could transfer a patient whom he has been seeing for the past 16 years. The patient was 19 years old. He had cerebral palsy and he could not speak, though could hear and understand instructions.

Met the boy with his mom. The boy was suicidal. It was heart breaking to see him cry on the first visit. He felt rejected by his dad, who was a mechanic. His dad would say words like "less intelligent" and "dumb". I phoned his dad. Requested him to come and see me.

The dad was old generation type man, hardworking and reticent. Wouldn't connect at an emotional level. Suggested how valuable his role was to build the boy's self esteem and future. Gave some tips to build their relationship.
Never saw the dad again. He never made changes.

The boy and mom continued to be in follow up. The boy also was gaming very heavily (up to 6 hours per day). His mom was very distressed. Suggested that he start doing some work which was useful to his mom, like cooking and cleaning.

Mom gave me a surprise today. The boy may not have started working at home but has got employed now in a house keeping job in #DMart (#AvenueSupermarts). He also got appreciation at workplace. He earns ~9k and got a bonus for Diwali. On hearing this I got ecstatic.

I must thank and appreciate the management of #DMart to value those with special needs and making reasonable accommodations to employ them on equal footing with others.
They also took action on a staff who bullied my patient.

We discussed how to deal with bullying and how to NOT GIVE UP but find support in order to retain our employment.
#Psychiatry is not just pushing medicines but is also about rehabilitation of people in their relationships and jobs. / end