Kellie, Congratulations !!!!! way to go Luke that's great that he's using words appropriately and that he set the straws on the table. I would build on these skills, have him put the pillows on the bed after you make it ect. I found with my son that he does not respond well to angry tones, i think it stress his underlying anxiety issues, i try to remain calm even when disciplining him, i kneel down at eye level and calmly state no, an i keep it very simple with "that'll hurt you" or "hot no touch" ect. as far as hitting himself, i do the same thing, keep calm ect....now, before i would scream no on the top of my lungs and rush right in but that blew up in my face because Connor likes effects, likes the reaction and knows that by trying to do this, he'll stop me from yelling thus, ending the situation right there and then. he used to bang his head out of frustration so when he was maybe 2 1/2 when he would tantrum, i'd move him to the couch, that way if he did it, he bang his head into a cushion and therefore i could calmly say no, hurt you. because i knew he wouldn't get hurt, i didn't have that panic pitch in my voice and therefore he didn't get that "effect" the emotional reaction. Now, i will say that my sons actions were very mild and that this type of behavior can be very serious, i would calmly restrain him from doing so but if it continues or worsens, i wouldn't hesitate to call the dr. I know you stated that you were looking into aba and if you go this road, they will work to rectify this behavior. use positive reinforcement, if he does it again, hold his hands down (gently) and say, great listening, no hitting, ect) it could be that he's frustrated by not being able to get his point across but to answer your question, it does seem to always be this way, my motto is 2 steps forward , 1 step back.Well, we had a good and bad day here today. Luke, my 27 mo old,
seems to have been making such good progress with language. A
month ago, he wasn't saying anything (except babbling) ... it seems
every week now he's adding new words (real words) to our days.
And he's communicating otherwise so much better as well. For
example, we were in the mall today and he was drinking from a juice
box. he pulled the straw out and wanted it back in, so he turned
around and handed me his box and straw and said, "Help! Help!
Help!" I almost dropped to the ground! Later tonight I was
putting straws on the dinner table, he stood in front of me and wanted
the straws ... I gave them to him, thinking he was just going to chew
on them or something. Well, wouldn't you know he PUT THE STRAWS
ON THE TABLE! I was blown away! He's never helped to set the table before. I never even tried to get him to -- I assumed he wouldn't know what I wanted him to do!
Then there are things that are not so good. Like today he did
something naughty and I told him "No!" He got all frustrated and
started kind of smacking himself ... his face and his legs. It
only lasted 10-15 secs, but it REALLY freaked me out be/c he's never
done anything like that before. Also, he's been spinning objects
a LOT lately (maybe for about 10 mins at a time several times a
day). *sigh*
I'm encouraged by his progress in language and social skills, but kind
of discouraged by the odd behaviors. Is this how it always
is?? Will he keep accumulating more and more odd behaviors even
as his other skills improve?
Kellie
Kellie thats great that Luke is hitting some goals and doing well! Sometimes they do regress some in the process of learning a new skill. Maybe the odd behaviors are his coping with doing soemthing new??? Try to remain positive and just keep an eye on things,.... if it gets too worry some speak with the Dr. OH boy do I understand this. Ok keep in mind Aiden is not dx'd anything yet, but I can still relate. I remember the first time Aiden started hitting and biting himself. It doesn't last long either usually. Aiden often does not have severe or long fits. He is one that has constant short fits. And even though, hate to say it, but I'm used to it by now...it still bothers the heck out of me when he does things like that to himself. Then he'll often cry as if he didn't know it would hurt to bite his own arm. It's like he reacts w/out thinking of any consequences. I realize that can be normal for a 2 yr old...not understanding consequences sometimes. He also has been doing pretty well w/ the ST, but yes some of his "old" things have been showing up more some days. He's still so anti social. If he is nt then i don't know what to do. I take him places w/ kids and try to interest him in them and get him to play with them. He will follow his sister around when she goes to play w/ other kids, but he still only interacts w/ her and ignores the others she may be playing with. Not even looking at them. It's so strange to me. Keep up the good work though. It is GREAT that he is using words. I will drop to the floor if Aiden says something like that. That is major progress. WAY TO GO!
Amber
Copyright Autism-PDD.net