First Day of Behavioral Therapy

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.