So much for trying storytime. Callie had a flaming, raging meltdown at the checkout desk because I had to take her two books to give the lady to scan. That was it! I couldn't get her back. She flailed, screamed, cried, and kicked. I thought I was doing a good thing - she's been to 3 of them this summer and seemed to do OK. Today was horrible. I'm dragging her out of the doubledoors and my other 2 are standing there arguing about who should pick up what off of the floor, who should hold the door, why they didn't get to use the computer today, on and on and on. We could have sold tickets for that show. By far, the most dysfunctional group to ever pass through the library doors. We're locking ourselves in the house and I'm rereading every autism book that I own. Thanks for listening.
Suzanne
Oh don't do that. We all have bad days like that. I give you credit tho. You have done something that I wouldn't even dare do with my two. Take them into the library. I know on Jeffrey's fieldtrip with the school last friday he had a meltdown at the mall. He has been to this mall before but his teacher believes since it is less structured maybe he can't handle it. Either that or the teacher isn't a good fit for Jeffrey. Hang in there. There will be ups and downs. Unfortunately.
Tammy
Suzanne,
LOL LOL I'm sorry...that story sounded so much like my own experience with "STORY TIME" at the public library. That giving the book to the librarian thing is the reason that I started making help me in the grocery store or walmart with things that are his. It took some time but now when we go to the store and he has something in his hands that is his....I will say...hand it or give it to the lady so we can buy it. And now he will hand it to her knowing now that he is getting it right back. Like i said though....it took a while to get there. The library was my first experience with him throwing a fit because he had to hand something of what he considered "HIS" to someone else. How we went about it is whenever we were buying something or checking a book out we would have to take it from him and say to him Give it to the lady so we can buy it for you (or borrow it for you). He would immediately have the meltdown. But after repitition he eventually got used to it and now hands the items up like he's all proud!! LOL Oh the meltdowns are tourture but I just acted like he wasn't even having one and continued on and ignored the looks from people. Anyway...just wanted to share that with you. Take care,
Karrie
Hey Suzanne,
Don't lock your family in doors, what you experienced is actually "normal" for all of us and I too have never brought ds to the library ( one of his favorite things to do is carry around as many books as humanly possible and hand them out to whoever is nearby) i agree with Karrie and we do the same thing, he hands the cashier the item and NOW knows thta he can have it right back. This took awhile but eventually it clicked, and ya know, i've contemplated selling tickets to some of our "family fueds" when we're out and about, it would make up for some of my lost income LOL. fear not, the majority of us have been in your shoes, with time it will get better.
Suzanne
What a bad library episode. I give you credit for even trying. I won't take Alex to the library because I'm afraid of his behavior.
We went through the same thing at Target. Everytime we checked out, Alex had a supreme meltdown when the cashier had to scan his toy (usually a Thomas train). And heaven forbid she try to put the toy in a bag! You cannot bag anything Alex is buying at the store still. He cried for two hours because we gave the man at Home Depot his Thomas train to color match it (2 minutes).
It took two years before he stopped doing this. Just take a deep breath and know that she is going to have to work through this. Don't stay home, she has to learn that this is the procedure. I did not find one technique that solved it except consistency and lots of time. Think up a few jokes to tell the check out person or just have an out-of-body moment.
Good luck to you
Suzi T
Takoda used to get so attatched to his library books. We could renew twice and then they have to be returned. OMG it was such a sceen. I know how you feel because everyone is staring.
I have learned now that is why they invented the drop box.
Nelle Hi, You are such a good mom to venture out like this. I remember the first time I took my son to library. He wanted a book another child was reading. I tried to find another book that he would like but he didn't like any of them. He then took off running in the Library and screaming. Me and my older son chased him for about 5(it seemed more like 30) minutes up and down the ailes. When I finally caught him and I said come on let's go home. The Librarian pointed to a sign saying please be quiet. I looked around and everyone was starring. I had such a headache. I thought I would never go back again. I did go back and it wasn't much better for a while but now he loves the Library. Just thinking about it makes me see how far he's come. It not easy but hopefully it gets better and I use the drop box to return the books too. Good Luck Delores
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