We had Christopher's parent/teacher conference last night. He continues to do well overall but has some definite deficits. He has mastered the concept that people have names and knows his friends at school. Socially, he will give his friends a hug and play with them on occasion. There is more success when he is outside and is in a "tag" sort of mood. He still prefers parallel play or complete independence. Communication continues to improve. There are a lot of times that I still can not understand what he is trying to say but he is saying it in full sentences.
I think my biggest concern is his need for "adult support" (as it is written in his IEP). Essentially, this means he requires a teacher's aide to be with him individually ALL of the time. He gets a little more freedom during free play activities. He will not sit for circle time or for table activities for extended amounts of time without an adult with him. This is a skill he must have by kindergarten. A teacher with one classroom aide for 20+ kids will not be functional for him when he needs this much support in a class with 10 kids, a teacher and 2 classroom aides.
Academically, I think he will be a successful learner but I think it may take longer or a different route to get there. He can identify some written words but they are words he uses frequently with Thomas, You-tube or other things he wants to type to bring up on the computer. I haven't tried to have him type Christopher lately. He was getting pretty close to that before. One of the recommendations listed was for us to post words around the house labeling objects. We also work on counting and letter identification all of the time. Perhaps his greatest strength/interest will also be a hindrance, he loves the computer, TV and Kindle Fire but we need to pull him out of the world of electronics and be able to focus on other things.
We have come a long way but we still have so much more to do.
Walk 2011
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Overall Update
Behavior has become more trying recently. The other day I turned a movie on for Christopher but I apparently did not do it correctly so he decided to "beat me up". He was hitting, kicking and yelling. At this point I was in disbelief at his behavior. We have not had to deal with aggression very often. When he would have a tantrum it was typically very short and he would quickly move on to something else. However, the behavior has crossed into the classroom and he is hitting the students and staff. This is a behavior that has to stopped now. We know the reason for the behavior. He isn't getting his way or is frustrated with something. Even though this is typical for small children we have to be on high alert because I know what it can lead to. Things that other parents can correct or know the child will grow out of can not be handled haphazardly for us.
I have constantly tried to stop behaviors that were a higher risk for him. I try to keep him from getting into too many routines or rituals. We are fortunate to not have to deal with meltdowns as often as others. However, when in the car, Christopher thinks he should be navigating. There are so many times he yells "that way" and it isn't the way we are going. This is often followed by some kicking and screaming. Christopher may get into a routine of stepping on certain blocks on the sidewalk or having to use a particular interest. I have been able to move past some of the ritualistic behaviors.
We are noticing more of the "autistic" behaviors recently and the school reports they see them consistently too. This behaviors include: spinning, flapping, and elusive eye contact. There are probably more but those are the biggest ones. Christopher has some good strengths too. He has a friend at school that he will play with but still prefers to play alone. He also shows affection and emotions. At home, hugs are usually prompted by a request; kisses are much harder to get and to give.
His verbal skills continue to improve but I'm questioning my decision to slack off on his alternative communication. The other day he wanted something and I had no clue. We finally got him to use his PECs to say "red" and he was saying a number that I can't recall now, but we never figured it out. I may need to consider purchasing the communication device for the Kindle Fire after all.
I have constantly tried to stop behaviors that were a higher risk for him. I try to keep him from getting into too many routines or rituals. We are fortunate to not have to deal with meltdowns as often as others. However, when in the car, Christopher thinks he should be navigating. There are so many times he yells "that way" and it isn't the way we are going. This is often followed by some kicking and screaming. Christopher may get into a routine of stepping on certain blocks on the sidewalk or having to use a particular interest. I have been able to move past some of the ritualistic behaviors.
We are noticing more of the "autistic" behaviors recently and the school reports they see them consistently too. This behaviors include: spinning, flapping, and elusive eye contact. There are probably more but those are the biggest ones. Christopher has some good strengths too. He has a friend at school that he will play with but still prefers to play alone. He also shows affection and emotions. At home, hugs are usually prompted by a request; kisses are much harder to get and to give.
His verbal skills continue to improve but I'm questioning my decision to slack off on his alternative communication. The other day he wanted something and I had no clue. We finally got him to use his PECs to say "red" and he was saying a number that I can't recall now, but we never figured it out. I may need to consider purchasing the communication device for the Kindle Fire after all.
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