My therapy team is AMAZING! I don't know how I would do life without them. In my other blogs I have mentioned most of my son's journey up to his school years. That is when things got a little tricky. I would have to pull him out of school for occupational therapy (which we did for 2 years, yes, it's that worth it) from his school day, and any other therapy would take a drive here and a drive there. Until I came across ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis). The center in my city services any child with a behavioral disability (ADHD, ASD-Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the like). Every center is different with their criteria, but not all require a formal diagnosis (with a psychiatrist), some would need a screening from a school and a note from a doctor, some would need a full diagnosis for services. Check your local organization to see what the requirements are, and don't delay! While these services are amazing, their wait list can also be amazingly long. My son had to wait for services for a year, and by that time his diagnosis was changed. Thankfully, we were still moved along and not added to another list, or put at the back of the line, but only needed to fill out more paperwork.
Here's what I love about ABA:
1. They come to my house!!!! I cook dinner (sorry therapists, I know sometimes you come hungry, even when you don't say it), I do chores, I garden (depending on the season, ha!), I nap....I pretty much carry on with my day, except I do need to stay home (they can't be left alone in a house with a child-good policy).
2. I can tell them our problems (related to the child of course, although they are so amazing they always ask about our lives too, they really care!) and things that have come up that we haven't been able to tackle, and don't know how to help our child. I am always amazed at sometimes how simple the solutions are.
3. You are heard. I can't tell you how many times I got the wrong kind of parenting advice, the blame game, and the "Your son needs to make better choices" given to me over the years. They listen, and they seem to understand. They know we are trying our best, and they don't judge us for it.
4. They match your child to a specialist that has common interest or they think will be best suited for them. I know this isn't the case with all centers, but ours has done a great job. If you are not happy with your therapist or how they approach or handle your child speak up. You have the say who influences and helps them, and if you aren't happy, then tell them. Chances are they will be happy you did and try to accommodate you.
5. They are there for you in crisis. I have been able to call and ask for help or email them and be able to have advice right away (this part of trust takes time, and not all specialists will give their information to you-for good reason, and some will never, so don't assume this will happen). The center will try to help and they will offer guidance when you don't know what to do.
6. It's not a cookie-cutter program, it's fit to your child's needs, and goals you and the therapist will come up with.
We have had the same therapist for our son for the last 2 years. They have been amazing, and I know my son would not have progressed as much as he would have if not for the help we received. Please note, that not all centers are created equal. Each one will have different expectations, different therapists, and different policies, but I hope they will be a help to you and your child.
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Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Over Stimulation-Deck the Halls and Climb the Walls
Around the corner comes my favorite holiday, and possibly the hardest time of the year (still amazing, still beautiful and still full of wonderful things!). That being said, it's one of the most difficult times of the year for kids with sensory processing disorder (SPD). It's exciting, full of colorful decorations, presents, fancy dinners, snow (let's cross our fingers Northwest!) and many activities. This can be exhausting to just the average person and let's face it we can all get overstimulated. For our kiddos it comes like a truck. They see, taste, smell, feel EVERYTHING. It becomes too much to bear, and then comes meltdown central. There is so much we can do to help prepare and protect our kiddos from being over stimulated, but other times we just can't avoid it. Here are some tips that have helped us and our son cope during these busy and fun times.
1. Have a plan and stick to it! Know your child's limits. While we might love a social gathering it's fine to attend and enjoy yourself, but take cues from your child and know when a good time to leave it. It's better than staying too long and either not being able to regulate them for bedtime or possibly battling a meltdown later. (Add no sleep to the mix and things can escalate quickly).
2. Have a place where they can decompress. When going to a party or outing, or gathering scout out the place for a quiet corner, a guest bedroom, or the like. Ask the house guest where your child might be able to go for a quiet space. This way if you want to linger, you can give them a game (yes, even electronic, but not for a long time...that can also cause overstimulation) and have them listen to their favorite music (my son loves soft jazz). When they get home give them some time in their sensory space.
3. Be aware of the "munchies" provided, and bring a healthy options. It's never any fun to see all the yummy treats and not be able to eat them. We avoid food dyes and gluten for our son, (see-Dyes Diets and Wheat, Oh My!!)so we make sure to look at the food together and ask questions before we let him graze. Some children are independent after this, some still need monitoring, so be aware, or visit around the food table (you will be thankful later you did!)
4. Try to stick to small groups. While this is not always possible, try to have times where it is just you and your spouse and their siblings for celebrations, or small gatherings where your child knows the people well. They will be watching out for your child, and your child will be able to regulate better and know what to expect with people they are familiar with.
5. Take time for quiet days (and get outdoors if possible!) This is so important! They need outside space to be able to breathe, process, and feel their body rhythm again. Having space to do this will help them get back to a healthy space that will help them do better in future gathering. Too much running around will only worsen things, so take time to breathe. You will appreciate the break as well!
6. Have a date night!! Get a babysitter, have the kids stay at home and enjoy a long night out if you want. They will be able to enjoy just being home and you can still be festive!
7. Make a schedule. Many children with special needs (including kids with SPD) really thrive on knowing what is coming next. We have a visual activities schedule and even have things like "going to the store" and "snack time" or "lego time" so our son can have a sense of order to his day. If you don't have a visual schedule even talking through it will help.
Enjoy this beautiful time of year, and plan ahead. You will be thankful that you did.
1. Have a plan and stick to it! Know your child's limits. While we might love a social gathering it's fine to attend and enjoy yourself, but take cues from your child and know when a good time to leave it. It's better than staying too long and either not being able to regulate them for bedtime or possibly battling a meltdown later. (Add no sleep to the mix and things can escalate quickly).
2. Have a place where they can decompress. When going to a party or outing, or gathering scout out the place for a quiet corner, a guest bedroom, or the like. Ask the house guest where your child might be able to go for a quiet space. This way if you want to linger, you can give them a game (yes, even electronic, but not for a long time...that can also cause overstimulation) and have them listen to their favorite music (my son loves soft jazz). When they get home give them some time in their sensory space.
3. Be aware of the "munchies" provided, and bring a healthy options. It's never any fun to see all the yummy treats and not be able to eat them. We avoid food dyes and gluten for our son, (see-Dyes Diets and Wheat, Oh My!!)so we make sure to look at the food together and ask questions before we let him graze. Some children are independent after this, some still need monitoring, so be aware, or visit around the food table (you will be thankful later you did!)
4. Try to stick to small groups. While this is not always possible, try to have times where it is just you and your spouse and their siblings for celebrations, or small gatherings where your child knows the people well. They will be watching out for your child, and your child will be able to regulate better and know what to expect with people they are familiar with.
5. Take time for quiet days (and get outdoors if possible!) This is so important! They need outside space to be able to breathe, process, and feel their body rhythm again. Having space to do this will help them get back to a healthy space that will help them do better in future gathering. Too much running around will only worsen things, so take time to breathe. You will appreciate the break as well!
6. Have a date night!! Get a babysitter, have the kids stay at home and enjoy a long night out if you want. They will be able to enjoy just being home and you can still be festive!
7. Make a schedule. Many children with special needs (including kids with SPD) really thrive on knowing what is coming next. We have a visual activities schedule and even have things like "going to the store" and "snack time" or "lego time" so our son can have a sense of order to his day. If you don't have a visual schedule even talking through it will help.
Enjoy this beautiful time of year, and plan ahead. You will be thankful that you did.
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