I figure I should keep track of Abigail's progress as we start behavioral therapy so we can see how she does. I really have great hope that this is going to help her get out of her own way so she can enjoy life and learn.
Donna got here around 2:30 (she is our therapist). We started to talk at which time Abby interrupted by asking to play with the Ipad. I told Abby should could play with the Ipad after she goes to OT tonight. This launched Abigail into a full on tantrum. I found this interesting because usually she would not have responded so rashly. It was almost as if she knew what Donna was doing there and wanted to give us something to talk about.
Donna explained that any acknowledgement of the tantrum would reinforce it. So looking at her, talking to her, etc should not be done. She also explained that if I usually do respond to her positively or negatively that she will keep tantruming to get what she wants. So I proceeded to ignore Abigail. Donna explained that when you ignore a tantrum the child will "up the ante" so to speak. Abby did that exact thing. She kept yelling and asking me to stop talking to Donna. She then started screaming at the top of her lungs and then she began to hit me. She hit me on the head with a care bear and then with her fists. Abby has never hit me before so this was alarming.
Donna explained that I should get up and remove myself when Abby hits or is hurting me. I did this and Abby followed. If I stayed standing she couldn't hit my head. She tried to get me to acknowledge her but I stayed strong and ignored it. She finally back down and got quiet and asked for a snack.
She then seemed fine for a little bit and even played with Donna's toys for a bit. When it was time for Donna to clean up the toys and go she freaked out and began to tantrum again. She ran back in her room and came out a minute or two later in a new outfit. She said, "I did it all by myself". I had told her earlier she couldn't change clothing but Donna said it was just her way of self soothing and maintaining some control and that we need to pick your battles.
I think this is going to worse before it gets better, but I am hopeful nonetheless.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
A Day Worth Writing About!
I have recently been inspired by a friend's blog. She is insightful and honest and very funny. I have been wanting to blog more and today was the day for it. Unfortunately, I don't have any fun pictures to share of today, but I want to share all the same.
Quick update on Abigail. She is now on a waiver that allows her to receive Medicaid and she is given hours for a personal care attendant to help with her. We hired someone at the end of June who is AMAZING. Her speech and occupational therapies are going well. She has improved speech for sure and she is trying hard to function in social settings. Recently though we have been struggling with motivating her. She just doesn't want to do what we ask of her. She had a full on tantrum at speech two weeks ago and as her mom it was terrible to bare. I just feel like she gets in her own way. If only she would listen and do what was being asked of her she could learn and become more "typical" (whatever that may be). I know she needs behavioral therapy (defined in many ways but basically it is a psychological technique based on the premise that specific, observable, maladaptive, badly adjusted, or self-destructing behaviors can be modified by learning new, more appropriate behaviors to replace them). Thus far we have not been able to afford it. The therapy is not covered by most insurance providers and can cost anywhere from $40-$100 per hour.
So onto today's news: I was invited to the beach a couple of days ago. Now normally I wouldn't even consider going to the beach. In fact we only go about once a year. However, I know how much the kids love it and now that we have a wonderful helper (Christina) I wanted to give it a try.
We had the best time! The water was great. The girls were well behaved and had an absolute blast. Abigail loved the water and spent at least an hour in there with Christina. Mia loved it too and did some serious work on that sand. It felt so good to be doing something for my girls that I normally wouldn't be able to do. When I get home, my neighbor bring over a piece of mail of ours. Abigail was approved by Medicaid to get behavioral therapy and she starts next week!!!
I feel undeserving of these blessings but I am so thankful. I am hopeful for my dear Abigail.
Quick update on Abigail. She is now on a waiver that allows her to receive Medicaid and she is given hours for a personal care attendant to help with her. We hired someone at the end of June who is AMAZING. Her speech and occupational therapies are going well. She has improved speech for sure and she is trying hard to function in social settings. Recently though we have been struggling with motivating her. She just doesn't want to do what we ask of her. She had a full on tantrum at speech two weeks ago and as her mom it was terrible to bare. I just feel like she gets in her own way. If only she would listen and do what was being asked of her she could learn and become more "typical" (whatever that may be). I know she needs behavioral therapy (defined in many ways but basically it is a psychological technique based on the premise that specific, observable, maladaptive, badly adjusted, or self-destructing behaviors can be modified by learning new, more appropriate behaviors to replace them). Thus far we have not been able to afford it. The therapy is not covered by most insurance providers and can cost anywhere from $40-$100 per hour.
So onto today's news: I was invited to the beach a couple of days ago. Now normally I wouldn't even consider going to the beach. In fact we only go about once a year. However, I know how much the kids love it and now that we have a wonderful helper (Christina) I wanted to give it a try.
We had the best time! The water was great. The girls were well behaved and had an absolute blast. Abigail loved the water and spent at least an hour in there with Christina. Mia loved it too and did some serious work on that sand. It felt so good to be doing something for my girls that I normally wouldn't be able to do. When I get home, my neighbor bring over a piece of mail of ours. Abigail was approved by Medicaid to get behavioral therapy and she starts next week!!!
I feel undeserving of these blessings but I am so thankful. I am hopeful for my dear Abigail.
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