Direct Behavior Therapy?

[Jodi]

We have been dealing with behaviors with Ryan for some time. I like to think of myself as being pretty proactive, but I gotta say as this kid gets older, it seems like his behaviors are getting worse in some ways. He is getting more physical and aggressive... not good! I know we are getting some hormonal involvement now, and some behaviors are just him being a butt, still I would like to help him get these under control before he gets much older/bigger.

So I was thinking about OT, PT, Speech, etc and was thinking why doesn't the district have people come in and work with Ryan who specialize with learning appropriate behaviors?

On the home front, I'm looking into "direct services" through regional center (have to attend 2 trainings first). We had a behavior specialist in our home for over a year, and that person just gave us strategies, but I gotta say we just can't seem to get through to the kid.

Just like OT or other specialists, why can't someone at the district come in and work with Ryan with his behaviors at the school too? I've sent an email to the district's Behavior Specialist regarding this, and I haven't heard back from her... they are probably thinking "oh great, another therapy for Ryan"... LOL!!! They are pretty good to him

Do any of you have such services with your district? Anything in the home? I just think it is time to move in another direction since we are still having some of the same issues we've had for a long time.

Jodi

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

THe district should have a district pshyc who works on behavior issues and FBA's. If they don't, they'll find one qualified. The only bummer when requesting behavior intervention is the school has no time line to get it done. The law states "in a reasonable amount of time" which could mean different things to school than to us parents. I just keep "bugging" and finally they will get it done.

I did learn that if an IEP meeting is called, and in the parental concerns, you put all this info, its more "documented" and then the school sometimes moves quicker. (B/c it's in the IEP and then no one can say you never asked for help) Gather any data you have about his behavior from everyone who has any input. The school surely doesn't want to be considered a slacker, and you have it documented that some intervention needs done.

My new favorite hang out is the US Dept of Education www.ed.gov/index.jhtml So much easier to navigate (for me) than the states web sight and no matter what, no state can override what this sight says They might word their rules differently, but when it comes down to it, this sight is the final word.

Best wishes and {{{BIG HUGS}}}}

[Jodi]

Thanks Jen... I'm thinking like an interventionist... someone that specializes in behavior - not the typical school psych. We have had FBA's, classroom plans, individual beh. plans - really familiar with that stuff... just trying to think outside of all the "typical" routes and was checking to see if anyone had any kind of experience outside of the norm.

My district is really good to us. Remember how they didn't have any real good options for 4/5th grade, so we went straight to JR high, but we had lots of changes in the program so that it worked for Ryan? They are just terrific in that regard. We never really have any problems (knock on wood) so that is why I'm trying to think outside of the box with this behavior stuff... I think they will consider doing something different.

Thanks for the link!

Jodi

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

Ahhh, out side the box. I like it I have no help there. Do you have a Ds clinic there? Maybe they have some help? Just thinking

[Jodi]

We have 1 at Stanford University, but you have to live within a certain radius to be seen. We are not even close!! Then there is 1 in San Diego but it only accepts children from 1 to 5 or 6. bummer, huh!

[Chris too]

Jodi,
What about a specialized aide? I remember that Leah's Angela had very specific requirements for her aides - they had to have training in behavior management, and special training just for Angela as well. They also rotated aides since Angela was tiring to manage for long. I wouldn't think that degree of intervention would be needed for Ryan, but it would be a place to start, perhaps.