Smile and I went to the park with his TSS (therapeutic staff support) and BSC (Behavioral Specialist Consultant- I THINK. This is the one acronym I can't wrap my mind around). My adorable, angel-faced, cutie has been showing his surly side with pride lately. He is very controlling and rigid in his expectations and it is sometimes impossible to interact with him without triggering a break down. Today was such a day and it started before we even got into the car. First, he yelled because we were going to a particular park that I mentioned by name. So, I quickly amended it and told him we were going to the park "by our house" (same park, by the way). Then he yelled at his TSS and BSC because he wanted to play with a silly spring toy and didn't want to get his coat on. So, I took the toy away and told him he needed to get his coat, sock, and shoes on. Once he did that, I promised, he could have his toy back. More high pitched screaming. He got his coat on but yelled at his TSS. I told him if he wanted to go to the park, he needed to say "sorry." He said "no." I counted. He screamed because I counted but he DID apologize. Then he asked for the toy. Sobbing and pleading ensued when I reminded him that our deal was that he needed to get his coat, socks, and shoes on. Somehow, I managed to stay calm throughout the entire ordeal and we were off.
At the park, SMILE ran around, laughing and cheery. I settled down on a bench to watch the scene unfold. I love the fall. The cool weather, the colorful leaves, and the sounds of my son being a typical kid. But then...his TSS suggested they play "Red Light Green Light" and SMILE started barking orders ("You go there. No! There. And you? You go there. No, no, no!") The BSC took over and told SMILE to stand by his TSS. He did. But then he realized that he wasn't going to be "the light" calling out the commands. More crying, more screaming.
A wonderful friend trekked out with her son so that SMILE's team could see him interact= or not interact- with a child he's known for four years. But they actually played very well together. That's typical for SMILE. He's social if he's given a lot of prompts and the game is structured and simple (too complex and his rigidity takes over). Two hours later, we packed our gang up and returned home. I set an agenda for SMILE (home to check on our dog, back in the car, pick up WINK, go to PT). All was fine. Until...I told him to leave his coat, socks, and shoes on. More screaming with some name calling ("You're cheating!). Ten minutes later, he got out of the car and I managed to get him in the house by promising him chocolate milk and a treat.
Frazzled, I said good-by to SMILE's team, put SMILE's socks and shoes back on (but he DID leave the coat on), and raced to WINK's school where we got there just in time to see him walk out of the building.
What exactly were the BSC and TSS there to do? Where they there to give you advice or just to observe SMILE?
ReplyDeleteThe TSS spends a lot of time (10 hours a week) with SMILE. The BSC, who writes up SMILE's treatment plans and gives suggestions to the TSS, checks in for 5 hours a week. Their purpose is to identify SMILE's weaknesses that are due to his ASD and sensory integration issues. They then gently challenge his comfort level through play every day to help him learn coping skills and better ways of dealing with his frustration.
ReplyDeleteI am present for 100% of the sessions. I observe a lot and sometimes am needed to interpret outbursts (not only what he is saying but what often set off a tantrum). During the bad breakdowns, I step in to calm him. I adore the sessions that involve both the TSS and the BSC so that I can sit and talk to the BSC without interrupting the TSS's work. Both can also go into the classroom if a need is found or if it is requested by SMILE's teacher.
Talk about a God-send! What a fabulous resource. I would be interesed in hearing more about their suggestions - as I'm sure other readers of your blog would, especially if they have children with ASD.
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