Atif Shaikh is 10 years old and suffers from developmental delay, microcephaly, and seizure disorder. His father inhaled toxic gas during the 1984 Union Carbide Bhopal gas disaster. His mother, Saira, recalls how after Atif’s birth he couldn’t feed and suffered several seizures. He was kept on support machines for 21 days, and the seizures continued regularly for 5 months after he got home. His parents took him to a number of neurologists to treatment, and when Atif was three years old he was referred to the Chingari clinic.
Prior to starting therapy at Chingari, Atif was non-verbal, could not stand or walk, and was completely reliant on others to care for him. His speech therapist, Nousheen, tells us about the progress Atif has made. Initially he only learned to speak one word at a time, but recently he has progressed to full sentences. His physiotherapist, Dr. Lubhna, says Atif has managed to reach all his major physical milestones. Atif can now control his neck and torso muscles, stand unaided, and has less difficulty walking. His posture and balance have also improved significantly. Ritu, Atif’s class teacher, is delighted with Atif’s progress. Apart from his academic progress with reading, writing, and maths, Atif has learned to brush his teeth, wash himself, feed himself, and can dress himself with assistance for his buttons and shoelaces.
Atif’s enthusiasm is vehicles. When Amir, one of Chingari’s van drivers, comes to pick him up, he says that one day he will drive the van and take all other children to Chingari. He likes watching Motu Patlu, Shin Chan and The Hulk cartoons on television. He also loves playing cricket and other games with other children at the clinic and in the local neighbourhood.
