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Post by Jodi on Apr 29, 2005 21:47:37 GMT -5
Hi Colleen!
I live in a suburban area, and when I found out about Ryan, I thought I would have to make drastic changes in order to help him out. Turned out not to be true. We have made some adjustments (hubby is a stay at home dad right now), but nothing like I thought I would have to do. We don't have any major medical issues.
So, although we don't live in the "sticks", the only advice I have to offer you is to do what you think is best for your family. You may not have ALL the services a larger city would offer, but if your FAMILY life is what you want it to be, then I think that is your answer.
Life is funny... you can't predict anything. Something may happen in a few years that would require you to move, maybe something completely unrelated to your child having Ds. You just never know, but you can adjust. I guess I just don't think that it should be the focal point of your decision - definately a component, but not the absolute deciding factor, if ya know what I mean.
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Post by Jodi on Apr 29, 2005 20:21:20 GMT -5
Ryan wears flexon frames. They are kinda expensive - but well worth it. Ryan is very hard on his glasses (but at least he keeps them on almost all the time). They need to be adjusted every now and then because he takes them off forcefully and they end up getting too wide.
There was a short time when Ryan was squeezing his glasses when he was frustrated. That is a perfect example of why I really like the flexible frame! He would have broken them 10 times over if they weren't!!
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Post by Jodi on Apr 29, 2005 20:34:10 GMT -5
I agree with Kristin - learned helplessness is what it's all about. You kinda have to see it from his perspective. All these things have been done for him for so long, and now all the sudden it's changing.
I would focus on one or two behaviors at a time until they are a habit. For example, if he wants a drink, ask him to help you get it. Let him see what you do. Gradually have him do more. If he is flat out refusing to do anything, I think I would say, "ok - if you want a drink, you can help me, or you won't get a drink". If he yells etc. that might be something you have to put up with until he realizes that yelling won't get him the results it used to.
The most difficult thing about learned helplessness is we, the parents, learning to not give in so soon in trying to help our kids be more responsible. It's difficult, and frustrating, but in the long run it's worth it. He can help himself, and you won't be so much a "slave"!
Good luck!
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Post by Jodi on Apr 26, 2005 20:50:59 GMT -5
So, we've been on again off again... ever so slowly making progress. Last week was not too great - lots of accidents I took Ryan to an information fair on Sunday. I knew it was possible that he might have an accident but kept the undies on. We had to park a ways from the fair (hint - that's important to know for later). Soooo - we are walking from booth to booth and there is one booth that has a rice/bean activity where the children "dig" for treasures. Ryan squats and starts sifting through the stuff and finds a great little toy. As soon as he stands up, I can see the wet pattern on his pants. I think to myself "this is going to be a long walk - bad planning" I stand up and my mom whispers in my ear "he's wet". Yeah, I know. Then, the lady at the booth said, "excuse me, but do you KNOW where the bathrooms are???" Now maybe I'm being overly sensitive but hmmmmm did she really think I was just dragging him around with wet pants??? Geeze!!! Anyway, we both survived LOL! It's funny, he had about 6 accidents on Sunday and then only one yesterday and one today. It's weird how hit and miss it is, but it is s l o w l y getting better . The more this happens, the more I think it's physical. Ryan has been priding himself on being dry, and often tells me he is dry. The only problem is - sometimes he's wet!! LOL gotta love him - he's trying!!
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Post by Jodi on Apr 26, 2005 20:28:29 GMT -5
Cute pics Deanna! I thought the last one looked a little like Ryan and I was showing Larry. Ryan came up to the computer and said "Ryan" - he thought it was a picture of him!! ;D Love the pic with you holding him in the pool. Justin looks so happy.
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Post by Jodi on Apr 26, 2005 14:42:36 GMT -5
Hey Jessie -
I would advise them to "knock-off" the med. idea because ADD/ADHD is 24/7 - not 3/4 times in 4/5 months! I've been dealing with ADHD for 7 years now, and I'm by all means no expert, but I'm hear to answer any questions you might have ;D.
I think you are on the right track with your questioning so far. What happened that led up to this incident? What happened during, and after? I'm been racking my brain (or what's left of it) trying to remember a behavior chart I once saw. It was great because it tracked behavior in detail, and patterns would show up. For instance, there was a girl, we'll call her Sally, that had a fit every time it was time to do math. It wasn't "doing math" though, it was that at that time, another girl came into the class to work on math too and she made Sally uncomfortable. I will see if I can find it.
Like it or not, kids that are non-verbal use their behavior to communicate - good or bad. If the behavior is inappropriate, then appropriate replacement behaviors must be offered.
And I'm not buying the "stubborn" lable either. Let me give you an example... Ryan was having a horrific time at the end of the school year last year. He would yell, fold-up on the floor, refuse to cooperate with anything. He was just plain frustrated with everything/everyone. One thing his behavior specialist noted was, Ryan was repeated asked if he was "ready". "Ryan, are you ready to color?" "Ryan, are you ready for circle time?" Ryan answered "NO". 10 seconds go by and he is asked again. He said "NO". Then he would be "forced" to the activity because he is being "stubborn" - HATE THAT! The behaviorist said, "either honor his answer, or don't ask". If he said no, then don't force him. Or, TELL him it's time, or give him some transition time... KWIM?
Anyway, back to Jason, it sounds like something is really getting to him for him to react like that. Does he have a behavior plan? You say the aide was redirecting him or disciplining him. What was he being redirected from? And was the new activity he was being directed to appropriate? I guess I would want to rule out any chance that he was communicating, no matter how inappropriately it was, because that's all he can do to be heard.
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Post by Jodi on Apr 25, 2005 13:57:59 GMT -5
Hey A... that's just stinks! I don't care who is living in what world!!! What if Russell DID get it? What if Russell was "thinking" he wanted a hamburger? Who are they to ASSUME that because of whatever he had going on, he wasn't interested? If they offered him a cupcake, then why not a hamburger? Oh that frosts me! Awe A - I'm sorry you feel like that, especially after celebrating Russell's accomplishments It sure is a rollercoaster ride sometimes!
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Post by Jodi on Apr 25, 2005 14:07:38 GMT -5
Hey A -
Who knew "simple" could be so "complex"!! LOL!!
I know whatcha mean... cry and celebrate - these things mean more to us than most people will EVER imagine (or appreciate!!). WTG Russell!!
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Post by Jodi on Apr 25, 2005 17:50:27 GMT -5
Great idea. Thanks for sharing!
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Post by Jodi on Apr 24, 2005 18:29:37 GMT -5
I saw the video. It's so sad. Kristen, you bring up a good point, but there must be other means of handling a difficult situation like this. From what I saw, they hand cuffed her right away. Did anyone see the whole thing? Did anyone try something like "hey, let's go for a walk" to try to distract her/calm her down? There must be other steps in between. Now maybe she is a naughtly little girl who has a bad temper, but that wasn't my first thought, which was... "where's the behavior specialist... this is all wrong!" LOL! I dunno
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Post by Jodi on Jun 2, 2005 9:00:42 GMT -5
Never stop learning about how to teach kids with special needs. Find a great mentor - someone who LOVES being in this field and watch and learn. Have someone to turn to for advice/suggestions. Don't be intiminated by districs/parents... always do what is right for the child. Make sure you know what that is - and if you don't - talk with your mentor!
Parents will depend on you to be an expert in your field. If you are not familiar with a specific type of disability that you are dealing with, research, ask the parent questions, and talk with your mentor. All children learn differently. That goes double for children with special needs. You will make suggestions that will forever impact these children - know your stuff!!
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Post by Jodi on Apr 22, 2005 17:05:53 GMT -5
That is just awesome! ;D I can't wait until Ryan is old enough to participate
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Post by Jodi on Apr 21, 2005 20:15:43 GMT -5
Hi there! Sometimes Ryan tires out when we are at an amusement park for long hours. We will rent a stroller if that happens. Boy it gets frustrating when he puts his feet on the wheels . His stamina is pretty good though, and we are using them less and less. A coworker has a child with Ds/Autism and this little-big guy is too much to carry! They requested assistance from their Regional Center. They researched strollers for older children, and found one that was built to handle heavier/bigger children. They presented it to Regional Center who then paid for the stroller. I'm not sure where you live, but maybe you can get the cost of the stroller covered since it is related to his muscle tone. Just a thought.
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Post by Jodi on Apr 21, 2005 20:19:33 GMT -5
Hey CC - Maybe they're catching on Great for you and Great for Chris!!
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Post by Jodi on Apr 21, 2005 9:28:00 GMT -5
I was on the computer last night, and Ryan came up to me and signed "computer" and said "pu pu" (Putt Putt - one of his fav computer games). I said "okay, mommy will be done in 10 minutes". I figured he'd just keep asking like he usually does, but instead he went into the living room at called his dad.
Larry went to him and Ryan was pointing to a cabinet that has pictures and movies set on top of it. Larry asked him which movie he was asking for and Ryan kept saying "no". Then Larry grabbed the timer and Ryan said "yes". Ryan set it to 10!!! LMAO!!!
The timer goes off and Ryan RUNS to the computer area and grabs my arm to get up!! TOO CUTE!! ;D
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