Airline Pilot and Child with Autism - Page 2

JayAre · December 5th, 2006, 01:22

Well to update. He had a brain MRI up in SLC everything showed normal thank goodness. They still can't nail it down and I don't forsee anything in the future. Other than the weekly classes and therapists. The most progress has been the sign language. Still the violent outbursts and meltdowns. Its been tough not being there (Indoc at AMF). To top it off the wife was in ER tonight it seems the morning sickness is much worst this time around than the child before. oh yeah did I mention were expecting.

Tim · December 5th, 2006, 13:17

Congrats on the expecting part and thank goodness the brain MRI was normal. Just keep the faith. Your child needs you more than you know and more than he can tell you..

cezzna · December 20th, 2006, 20:09

You have to watch that marriage. I had no chance, my wife (now ex) dove down an endless bottle of alcohol and started running around. It started the day she learned the diagnosis. Now I have the kids, a nanny and she is in supervised visitation. It is a growing problem the spouse just throwing their hands up and running out. Get as much family involved as you can. One person can't do it all.

The BEST advice I got from a BCABA was how to deal with meltdowns. Most parents see it in horror and based on the severity of the meltdown would try to do anything to console the child and end the meltdown. When you do this you teach the child that to get what they want (since they can't talk) throw a fit. To get what you really want throw a REALLY big fit. When they meltdown you have to give it ZERO attention and the behavior will extinguish.

SteveC · December 20th, 2006, 20:52

cezzna, what do ABA and BCABA stand for?

(Side note since the topic of sign language came up earlier, my wife has had some great results with the Picture Exchange System (PECS) with some kids with autism that don't communicate verbally and exhibit high frustration and meltdowns, and she has been a big proponent of the system in the local special ed system. It is just one of many techniques that the pros use to help kids (and their parents) that have autism, and in some cases can be used instead of sign. Not advocating that you change the plan you're on, just listing some other options. Not all the speech paths are up to speed on PECS yet, so thought I'd mention it.)

And congrats on the new one JayAre!

cezzna · December 20th, 2006, 21:45

ABA is applied bahavior analysis.
BCABA is a person who is board certified. This is equivalent to a masters degree, even though you don't get one.

Most schools using ABA have a BCABA on staff who directs each individual program, and the instructors who work directly with the students. They can work wonders if you find the right one.

I haven't used PECS yet but I might give it a try. From what I hear it's where most of the newer school programs are going. I used to really want to be able to talk to him but now I would settle for communication of any kind.

JayAre · December 21st, 2006, 00:56

Ok I'm kinda out of it(flu medicine) but to update. Sign language has been a huge leap forward in communication. Sensory classes are working! last class he got along great no hitting or having any outbursts/meltdowns. I was gone for three weeks in Cali with Indoc at AMF. I have a little over a week break now for the holidays and its been nice being home with the family. We are getting ready for his IEP in a couple of weeks, which I will miss. This IEP will decide if he qualifies for early intervention pre school. The holidays are going to be tuff with other family and children here. We made his own sensory room with toys and other objects to have fun with when things get to overloaded. Hope things work well in the next week!

cezzna · December 21st, 2006, 22:12

Ah, the IEP meetings. Don't be afraid to "dumb him down" to get the services he needs. The worst part is school systems are all over the map in their abilities to effectively help ASD kids. If your district is good for ASD that is great, if not don't be afraid to move to the right one, I'm going to have to do that. My district is good, but not for ASD. One would think the best overall districts are the best with this but it is not always the case. Some are at the leading edge and others are way behind the learning curve.

Good luck