I was going to say what Stephanie said ... try to change
therapists. It's inconceivable that therapists who are trained to
work with autistic kids (and therefore shouldn't be ignorant as to the
cause of it) would even HINT that his behaviors are due to your
parenting! I would hav reacted the same as you ... being so upset
and withdrawing my son from their program.
I'm so sorry that you and
Chris had to cancel your anniversary plans be/c of everything going on.
:( I pray that today is a better day for you and Zach.
Take care.
Good for you for pulling him out of that environment.
What the therapists did (taking your son into the room, removing the "comfort" of the toy and dragging him from his mother, demanding he do tasks in an inflexible, rigid way (as if there is only one right way to pick up toys??) all with no explaination or warning to either!!) is terrible and irresponsible, not to mention ineffective and pointless. For ANY child, NT or NOT, most therapist would know that a gradual separation from the mother with lots of encouragement and explanation is needed for the comfort of the child (and mother). I'm not even so sure he needed to be separated out from you like that and certainly not in one fell swoop like that or in the first few sessions. That (and even the picking up toys) is something to build up to with lots of small successes for him along the way. And, every thing in therapy needs to be done with your input and consent - NOTHING should exclude you and be behind closed doors. If for no other reasons (and there are plenty of others), just so that you KNOW what's going on in therapy and can reinforce it at home. They seem to have no concept of how to handle or be in tuned with ANY child (or parent), let alone one with PDD. Plus those comments to you were way out of line and unprofessional and just plain rude. It sounds like they are more interested in "being right" or "knowing it all" than helping and supporting your son and his mother! I'm outraged for you and your son.
He will be much better off with what you're doing and the ST. Kudos to you for going to the director and pulling him out. I'm so sorry you have to go through this added stress just trying to get help for your son. You are doing a great job advocating for him!!!
I had a ba OT myself and all i can say is demand a new one. I too had the remarks I think she is in the terrible twos blah blah.. My speech therapist was ever so supportive through this all thank you God for her. Our OT was bad and i listed out teh many concerns I had, went to the director and she was more than happy to find me a new OT, who may I add I adore. The new OT has made a world of difference in Megans life, isnt that what they are supposed to do, and gotten megan to progress and do thing the other OT couldnt get near accomplishing in almost a year of therapy..
It sucks that we have to fight like this to get what our kids need. And even after a diagnosis you will get people who still dont belive it or that will tell you a medical diagnosis and an educational diagnosis are different, eyeroll..
hang in there
Thanks Everyone for all the support. I am still hurt inside over this... but am moving on, I can't sit here and dwelll on it, that doesn't do me or Zach any good.
Zach however is back to his self again... I called my mom that night and she told me to bring Zach over right away so that Chris and I could have some alone time.... which didn't happen, He sent me to my prayer meeting saying that I needed to get with Someone who has more power than us *smiles* he's so smart my hubby. Well my mom is wonderful with Zach and her and my dad work very hard with him utilizing things that he loves like animals and movies and the bathtub... Zach loves being in the water. So I brought him across the hall (yes she lives right across the hall from me LOL) and she takes him and goes... dont' worry he'll be back to normal by the time you get home. She knew I was so stressed and worried that Zach was going to regress badly because of what I saw in the car. Zach had not been like that since before he started therapy, probably since a lil' after his 2nd birthday. Even before Zach had started therapy we (me and my mom) would always work very hard with zach to pull him out of "his world". Anyways he came home and he is back to himself... jibber jabbering all over *laughs* no talking still (snaps her fingers... Dayum... heheheee), but coming and looking me in the eye and smiling at me. *laughs* Last night while watching the Jungle book he even grabbed my face and kissed my forhead ..... (he imitates when the wolves lick Moglies face) LOL.
I can't get zach new therapists.... and to be honest.... I don't feel very confidant that the EIP here really knows anything about the autism spectrum. When I mentioned that zach's Dr. was pretty sure the pediatric psycologist would most likely give zach a DX's of PDD-NOS his special ed teacher had no clue what I was talking about, neither did the director... his OT did and said she thought that could be more accurate. At any rate they don't have any other therapists who can take Zach. I'm good with everything now and things will work out.
I just can't imagine being treated with such disrespect by the therapist that I've worked with so far. They make it very clear that I am a member of the team...and ALL decisions go through me before they even think about trying something new with Jakob. I just really don't think these women are showing you the proper respect, I would not feel comfortable with having them treat my child with me in the room..much less behind a closed door! Do you have the option of changing therapist?hi sarah, i am sorry that u have been made to do this due to losey ot . but just to let u know jordon doesnt have ot and i do it all myself and it has worked out just fine . i hope u get to have a late anniversery celebration xxxx
Sarah,.... I am glad Zach didn't regress. And Thank God for your mom!
Sarah I know we talked about this in chat last night. But it still ticks me off to no end. I just can't believe how dumb some of these people can still be. I shouldn't be surprised but it just amazes me. Your child has limited language and to expect him to be able to put all toys away and not leave the room until he does is just criminal. File a complant on them. Take it as far as you can. Hey I wonder if Jesse Ventura is free to go kick their butt for you. Let me know if I can help you in any way.
Tammy