Update on New Ped visit today
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Update on New Ped visit today
| Wed, 04-16-2008 - 3:36pm |
Well, turns out my DS got a high fever in the middle of the night with a cold too, so we still went to the new pediatrician

Well I am so glad she referred you tho instead of the standard "Lets what and see" attitude.
First, it is very common for kids with ASD to know all their letters, numbers, colors, etc and be delayed in language. My dd could label all her letters, colors, etc by 2 but couldn't follow a simple direction to save her life or answer a simple question. Heck, she couldn't even answer yes/no correctly.
Hearing test - they always do it and if they can get the child to cooperate and follow directions, and they almost always do fine it seems. If he knows his lettere he was obviously able to hear that but they like to rule it out anyway. Whether to do it now or later, your call but I wouldn't wait if it will delay his getting into the other appointment. If it isn't going to delay it then go ahead and wait.
2 minute time out - (raspberries). Someone somewhere once thought this was a good idea (1 minute per age) and decided to write a book on it and everyone thought "wow good idea, we have to punish them for their bad behavior". I HAVE NEVER seen any research on the effectiveness this approach and I would venture to bet there is none. In fact I would say that for a child with special needs or who has possible special needs it is a ridiculus approach.
Research tells us what we first need to do is to be investigators and find otu WHY a behavior is happening. THEN we implement strategies to change the behavior at the SAME time we teach the child an appropriate replacement behavior. So for instance, a baby cries because they are hungry. We don't punish them for crying but we teach them how to ask for food and try to antecipate their hunger until they can ask for food.
Behavior often is communication. Children who have language delays are going to ellicit behaviors for a longer time because they don't have the communication tools to deal with it. In addition, children with autism spectrum disorders ahve a hard time regulating themselves. Behavior can be a due to this disregulation and how they are feeling in their bodies.
As as quick strategy you might try a really quick sit out to interupt the behavior. Then have him use the correct words to get his needs met. So for instance, if he hits because he wants a toy then a quick sit out for a few seconds with you there, then have him repeat "I want toy" if he can or imitate as close to it as he can. When he makes the request appropriately, praise him for doing so "NICE job Using your WORDS" and give the toy. Later you can teach him waiting, etc.
Renee
Well, I for one, hope you let those dishes sit in the sink and had yourself a nice nap!!