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The Neuro-Distress Factor
To begin, often professionals view a client's inability to perform a task as having fatigue, when in truth the actual experience is more drastic than the observer can "see". The internal experience of a neurological disorder is simply not fatigue as the norm knows it.
What I am going to describe to you is known by survivors of neurological disorders as more of a Distress factor. Hence, the name Neuro-Distress is a viable name for those challenged daily by their body functions going wildly array; this is the nature of the beast of Neuro-Distress.
When clients are in a state of neurological distress, they may have some of the following symptoms: glazed eyes, flushed face, tremors, balance problems, difficulty speaking, vision disturbances, difficulty thinking, their heart may race, they may put their head down to try and block the sensory input to their brain. If any of these symptoms occur during a training session, it is advised that you encourage the client to "REST."
Closing the eyes for 15 seconds can help them to recharge. It is good to keep an eye on them and see if they are capable of continuing the session. Less training with this therapy is always better than more here.
It is advised that you implement a gentle video exercise before you implement the drawings. It has proven to help clients access their cognitive functions more easily. Of course, the accessing of cognitive functions does not mean that this is the end of the training. It is always one step forward and one step back, gently like a dance. The brain must feel safe and relaxed in order to move ahead. When you can accomplish this you will have better end results.
PLEASE REMEMBER NEVER PUSH A CLIENT. You are the guide, the objective one who can see and understand what is happening until the client can understand enough to use this therapy daily to help access cognitive functions. Part of the recovery process is to teaching the client to identify and manage the Neuro-Distress factor.
This method is meant to be developmental and should be approached cautiously at all times. These drawings are hard and extremely difficult for the client to do. In time and with success the client will benefit from the process.
If at any time your client shows signs of tremors, or begins falling asleep or other signs of their inability, to perform these exercises, I advise you STOP using these exercises. If your client does not seem to be improving in several sessions, I suggest that you STOP using these exercises and try a different method.
