Tips for parents who struggle with behaviors and children who have limited language skills.

Follow up to our January 1st meltdown over not being able to do the wash (laundry) at his time with his routine.  Max messed up his entire room in protest of not being able to put the soap in the machine.  See Part 1.

Max is 5 and has autism.  He has been  diagnosed for almost a year.  We have been getting various therapy and intervention since age 3.  Now, that we have 5 months of ABA therapy we are starting to see more substantial changes that allow us to help him better.  We are able to understand his desires, wants and needs so much better. That helps so much with him getting angry or frustrated and acting out.   In the first video, he takes apart all the floor letters and dumps all the clothes and toys out.  When he does this you can hear him say things like mess, and oh no, and other words depending on the problem and degree of frustration.

So, part 2 shows that Max cleaned up his entire room with only a few verbal prompts to help put the letter back together on the floor.  When this happens it is definitely a learning experience because he has to tell me what the letters are and put them back together like a big puzzle.  He is following one step directions without prompt or repeating.  See Part 2.

my suggestions if you struggle with a child with similar behaviors…

best advice: it will get harder before it gets easier.

• If your child has behaviors that are difficult like throwing things, hitting, messing up a room or similar get a behavior therapist. (ABA)
• The therapist can help you determine the cause of the behavior and walk you through how to help your child in different situations.
• Don’t leave valuable items out in the house that could be destroyed; limit the options and choices available to the child.  I put up 10 puzzles because for some reason my son would throw the puzzles on the ground and the pieces would go flying.  That was a lot of work to pick up!  So, puzzles went away.  If you want them bad then he’ll ask.
• Record them and then play it back.  When they see how they are acting and you can talk about it to them; explain feelings and emotions.
• Hold them accountable, determine what the child should do to clean up, fix or pay for items that they damage or destroy.

Enjoy Part 2 of Max’s Meltdown/Cleanup.