An ice park may have been a tourist trap, but it was also a therapy win
How a recent family outing benefited our daughter with AADC deficiency
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There are moments in parenting when you walk into a situation thinking, “This is probably overpriced,” and still go anyway. This was one of those moments.
My wife, Judy, and I were looking for another fun adventure. We live in Bangkok, Thailand, where there is no winter and the cool season dips down to a measly 70 F for a few weeks. So, we thought to look for something cool to do.
We found ourselves taking our daughter, Rylae-Ann, to an ice park in the famously tourist-heavy city of Pattaya. In this tropical country, ice is usually only found in drinks. Even by Thai standards, it was expensive. I hesitantly handed over the cash while thinking of all the other things I could be spending it on.
But as it turns out, some of the most meaningful memories (and therapy wins) come from the most unexpected places.
Rylae-Ann has an ultra-rare genetic condition called aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. At just 18 months old, she received gene therapy. It is an extraordinary gift that changed the trajectory of her life. Since that moment, Judy and I have been deeply committed to helping her close developmental gaps while also ensuring her childhood is filled with joy, exploration, and meaningful experiences.
This icy adventure checked all those boxes.
Ice park adventure
Stepping into the park was a full sensory experience. The temperature dropped instantly, and suddenly, we were surrounded by shimmering ice sculptures, frosty pathways, and beautifully carved displays inspired by traditional Thai architecture, which was an unexpected cultural twist in an otherwise frozen wonderland.
The Poulin family poses bundled up inside an ice tuk-tuk during their family outing. (Courtesy of Richard E. Poulin III)
One of the first therapy goals of the day arrived before we even touched the ice. It included putting on winter clothing — heavy coats, gloves, boots, and the works. For many kids, it’s a minor inconvenience. For Rylae-Ann, it’s an occupational therapy challenge involving coordination, strength, planning, and sensory tolerance. She tackled it like a champ, with determination and only minimal side-eye directed at us. The novelty of the clothing helped her to push through the riddle of sliding her fingers into the individual wool slots.
Inside, the fun really began.
She made snowballs and proudly aimed them at us. We explored ice sculptures with curious hands and squealed with laughter as we sledded down icy slides, each time with a giggle or asking for more. Each activity subtly worked on balance, motor planning, grip strength, and sensory processing, all disguised as pure fun. The cold that might have been overwhelming became empowering.
Was it cold? Absolutely.
Was it overpriced? Without question.
Was it worth it? One hundred percent.
Beyond the wonder and frostbitten noses, we saw confidence, resilience, and joy. We saw a little girl doing hard things without realizing they were hard. And we saw how therapy doesn’t always need to happen in a clinic. It can happen in the middle of a frozen park, in a tourist city, with laughter echoing off ice walls.
We left frozen and slightly poorer, but also incredibly full of pride, gratitude, and memories we’ll laugh about for years.
Sometimes, even the biggest tourist traps can lead to the biggest wins.
Note: AADC News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of AADC News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency.
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