Category: Behavior/ ABA

Information and stories on behavior interventions, ABA (applied behavioral analysis) in relation to Down syndrome and autism.

Posted in Autism, Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Education and Special Needs, Resources for Special Needs

Blog#257~DS-ASD=Taking on Transitions

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #257~DS-ASD=Taking on Transitions

The challenges faced by individuals with co-occurring Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD) are complex. These can include communication deficits, cognitive delays, sensory processing issues and rigidity. Transitions can be tough, moving from one activitiy to another, changing venues, staff and caregivers can all be stressful. Predictability and consistency are key components which help individuals with DS-ASD cope in a world that moves fast. My son Nick is 29 years old, and has co-occurring DS-ASD. Many of the families that I’ve worked with over the years find transitions to be hard to navigate. There are many evidenced based practices which can help support your child.

Here are 5 Tips for Taking on Transitions:

1. Figure out “the why”. Do a little detective work to determine what might be triggering the resisistance to moving forward. Possible antecedents might be sensory overload (loud noises, crowds, etc), changing from a preferred activity to a non-preferred activitiy, not understanding what comes next and not feeling in control. These are just a few examples of why they might be struggling. Once you determine the function of the behavior, then you can put some supports in place.

2. Use a visual schedule to help provide an effective cue to move to another activity or venue. There are many apps available as well including First-Then, Kids ToDo List, and Visuals2Go.

3. Allow for processing time. Give advance notice when an activity is coming to an end, and when it will be time to move to the next. Visual timers are great tools to help with transitions. Here are two of my favorite timer apps which include the Countdown Timer and Timed Timer:

4. Create a social story to help provide a clear and predictable framework for what will happen next, what to expect and how navigate a new experience. Use the social story like a pre-game rehearsal. This allows the individual to understand what to expect, how to behave and give them a “buy in” to the transition.

5. Give verbal and non-verbal praises and provide a reward such as a transition object to help motivate the child. “Good job walking and staying close”, thumbs up/smiley face icons, high fives can all reinforce successful transitions made throughout the day. Transition objects guide the child over the bridge that encourages moving from point A to point B. The object should be highly preferred, motivating and limited access so that it keeps their interest.

Providing support for individuals with DS-ASD to assist with transitions can ease stress by helping them understand what will be happening throughout the day. It also allows the child to feel more in control over their life. For more information and tips on navigating co-occurring Down syndrome and autism, scroll the archives of this blog and check out my book A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism click to order here: https://amzn.to/2W3Un6X

That’s what is in my noggin this week 🙂

~Teresa

Follow us on social media: #Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism

Posted in Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Independent living skills, Parenting Special Needs

Blog #250~DS-ASD:Teaching Independent Living Skills

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #250~DS-ASD: Teaching Independent Living Skills

The ultimate goal for parents, teachers and caregivers is to help the child reach their full potential and become as independent as possible. I am a parent to a soon to be 29 year old son who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). I strive and struggle daily to help my son Nick, but also coach and encourage and other families by offering strategies to assist their children. Independent living skills teach kids how to be responsible and give a sense of accomplishment. How do you start teaching these skills? That’s what I want to focus on for this week’s blog and it’s also a goal that I set for myself and Nick this year.

5 Tips for teaching independent living skills:

*Meet the child where they are at and build activities around their strengths

*Use visual schedules, task strips, token boards, modeling/video modeling, point prompts and hand over hand techniques

*Start with a preferred activity and include fun tasks

*Focus on one area or task at a time and build from there

*Use a highly preferred reinforcer that is motivating to your child

The first thing to do when starting to teach a skill is to identify an activity or task. Then, you want to meet the child where they are at according to their skill level. It’s helpful to pick something that you can build around the child’s strengths. My son Nick is very good at matching and knowing where things belong. He’s always had a keen eye and we play upon this strength. It helps to focus on one area of the house at a time. Let’s start with the kitchen, what tasks could your child do?

Kitchen Task Ideas:

*Help load or unload the dishwasher/ wash and dry dishes

*Wipe down countertops and windows

*Sweep and mop floor

*Feeding pets

*Help with garbage and recycling/ can crushing

*Set the table

*Assist in meal preparation and making choices of food and snacks

*Sweep and mop floor

*Put away groceries

Using visuals can help the child make choices and understand the steps involved by breaking down the task. Schedules and token boards give the child a clear beginning and end to what is expected and provide predictability. Task strips like the one below help to break down the activity into smaller steps:

Nick’s kitchen tasks includes unloading groceries and the dishwasher and emptying the recycling container to the outdoor bin. When the weather permits, he helps push the garbage and recycling bins to the curb. This is followed by a highly preferred reward= Sprite. Nick also helps with meal prep and wiping the countertops down. He takes great pride in his jobs and this gives him a sense of accomplishment.

These jobs didn’t happen overnight. Over the years we’ve used visuals to teach tasks but also modeling/ video models, using the hand over hand technique and fading back to point prompts. It can be a a lot of frontloaded work getting started and teaching your child. Working with a BCBA behaviorist can be very beneficial in identifying target behaviors and building the skill set to complete living skills independently.

This blog will be the first of many to focus on teaching independent living skills around the house. Nick and I will take you through one room at a time. Our goal and passion is to make this road of a dual diagnosis easier for other families. We also want to inspire you as a parent, teacher or caregiver to help your child reach their full potential.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

For more information on navigating co-occurring DS-ASD in my book. Click here to order: https://amzn.to/2W3Un6X

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Posted in Autism, Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Parenting Special Needs

DS-ASD: 10 Autism Holiday Stress Tips

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

DS-ASD: 10 Autism Holiday Stress Tips

I am Teresa Unnerstall, a DS-ASD consultant and author of A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism (https://amzn.to/2W3Un6X) My son Nick is 26 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD).

Here are my top 10 Autism Holiday Stress Tips to help you navigate the upcoming holiday season. Click the link below to view:

Blog #225~10 Autism Holiday Stress Tips – Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism (nickspecialneeds.com)

I hope you have a safe and joyous holiday. Remember to give yourself a little extra grace as we deal with the added stress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. I have pared things down even more this year and striving for simplicity. That’s what is in my noggin this week.

Cheers and Be Well,

Teresa 🙂

Follow Us:

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Twitter @tjunnerstall

Posted in Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Down Syndrome Awareness, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, IEP (Indivdualized Education Plan)

Blog #226~Beyond Down Syndrome: A New Course

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #226~Beyond Down Syndrome: A New Course

World Down Syndrome Day is coming up on March 21st. This day 3/21 was chosen to represent Trisomy 21, where there are 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. WDSD highlights the importance of promoting awareness, understanding, inclusion and acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome. Next week, I will provide concrete ways that you can help promote WDSD.

But what if there is more beyond Down syndrome that families are facing? Did you know that approximately 18% of children with Down syndrome have a secondary diagnosis of autism? This dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD), presents additional challenges with communication impairment that can lead to behavior problems.

Here are some of the signs and symptoms from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) of a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD:

https://www.ndss.org/resources/dual-diagnosis-syndrome-autism/

My son Nick, is 26 years old and has a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD. Ten years ago, I started writing about my journey and this new course our lives took, when Nick got a secondary diagnosis of autism. I felt very alone. I found myself pulling away from our local Down syndrome support group activities, because my son no longer fit in. He did not engage like his peers with Down syndrome. His repetitive movements (rocking, hand flapping, unusual play with toys) and vocal humming sounds made him stand out from the crowd. This new course was different than the one I planned. Nick was very delayed in toilet training and his speech deficits lead to behavior problems. As he approached puberty, his lack of speech and understanding what was expected, led Nick to become very frustrated. My son had no voice and his actions led to dangerous meltdowns.

What I soon learned (when Nick was 10 years old), is that I dealing with way more beyond Down syndrome. There was no way that I could navigate this course alone. Once I sought guidance from experts, we were able to give Nick a voice using a picture exchange system (PECS). Together with the IEP team, we determined what behaviors to target and developed a positive behavior support plan (BSP). The two key components that helped Nick was giving him a voice and finding the triggers that were causing behavior problems. We sought help from the school district’s autism specialist. The IEP team then, put supports in place and we all received training to help support the secondary diagnosis of autism. It is critical to identify target behaviors, and make a game plan to support a child before they escalate to a boiling point and have a meltdown. It’s imperative to write in additional supports to address communication including visuals  into the IEP. A reoccurring theme in my blogs is the need to address speech and behavior collectively, as all behavior is a form of communication. Visuals are key for communication, but also for navigating daily life in the form of picture schedules, social stories and learning tasks. These visuals are the blueprint for your child to understand what is going on and what you are expecting from them, and in turn helps to reduce anxiety levels.

My mission for the past ten years has been to make this DS-ASD journey easier for families following a similar path, and to open the eyes for other’s to understand the complexities and challenges associated with DS-ASD. This path that I’ve been on with Nick has not been easy. Early Intervention after birth and over the years, was critical to helping Nick reach developmental milestones. Our family has weathered a lot of storms, but with each– the sun came back out and we learned a lot along the way. Now, I am ready to share my journey with you!

 I am pleased to announce my book and the journey beyond Down syndrome:

TU_5-5x8-5_WPS_ebook

A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism launches May 5, 2020 and takes a deep dive into the complexities of what many families face raising a child with a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD. None of us can escape life without challenges. We each have our own journeys and individuals with DS-ASD are unique and may not be as severe as what we experienced with Nick. Our struggles at times were unsurmountable. But if you are an avid reader of my blog– you know that I’ve guided you down a path and showed you how Nick has become the best version of himself given a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD. Each chapter concludes with a 3:2:1 (3 Lessons I learned, 2 takeaways to use in the future and 1 question or concern I had during that particular time). At the end of the book, I’ve included my version of an appendix, with the final lessons I’ve learned on this journey. These final lessons are taken from my blog entries, that I’ve been writing since 2012.  A New Course is available for pre-order now on Amazon!

My passion is helping other families navigate this new course beyond Down syndrome. As a DS-ASD consultant, I am determined to assist families to find resources, offer support and guidance to make their journeys smoother. I hope my story opens the reader’s eyes and starts a conversation of what it is like to raise a child with the unique challenges associated with DS-ASD. In doing so, perhaps the reader might gain better understanding, awareness and compassion for families dealing with DS-ASD and other complex special needs.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

LOGO TRANSPARENCY (5)

Follow on Social Media:

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Join us on our new Facebook Page: A New Course Book Launch to get the more inside the scenes and exclusive tidbits about A New Course: A Mother’s Journey Navigating Down Syndrome and Autism.

Twitter @tjunnerstall

Posted in Autism, Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Parenting Special Needs

DS-ASD~What To Do When It’s More Than Just Down Syndrome

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

DS-ASD~ What To Do When It’s More Than Just Down Syndrome

If you are a parent, teacher, caregiver of extended family member of an individual who has Down syndrome, you are aware of how challenging it is to hit those developmental milestones. There are even more speech deficits, sensory integration problems and challenging behaviors associated with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). My son Nick is 25 years old and has DS-ASD. Years ago we suspected that his behaviors and speech delays were perhaps more than just Down syndrome. We got a clinical, medical evaluation to determine that he also had autism. Getting the secondary diagnosis enabled us to receive additional services and support.

DS-ASD Ribbon

Additional Services and Support for DS-ASD:

Speech and Augmentative Alternative Communication

Behavior Support Plan (BSP) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Specialized Training for Toileting

Federal and State Funding for Respite Care and Equipment

Support Groups for DS-ASD families online and on Facebook

Besides the additional services and support, we got validation that our son’s challenging behaviors and speech deficits were more than just Down syndrome. This gave us a peace of mind as a family, that we were no longer alone on this new path.

To read more about additional services, support and links related to a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD) click here:

https://nickspecialneeds.com/2016/09/12/blog-155more-than-just-down-syndrome/

Getting the secondary diagnosis of autism opened up new avenues for our son to get help with communication and tackle the unique behaviors that hindered his progress both at home and school. This made a huge difference in all aspects of his life and ours. It’s a very different path than just Down syndrome, but with support your child and family can navigate it more smoothly.  That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

Follow Nick:

Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism

Instagram #nickdsautism

Twitter @tjunnerstall

 

 

Posted in Autism, Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism

DS-ASD Behavior Management

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

DS-ASD Behavior Management

smile emoji thumbs up

Behavior problems are common for individuals with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD). Speech deficits may cause a child to exhibit unwanted behaviors to express emotions of frustration and not being heard. I’ve experienced many behaviors with my son Nick, who is 25 years old and has a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD. While Nick continues to challenge me with undesirable behaviors, I have learned a lot about how to better manage them. This week, here are 5 steps you can take to discover the causes of a problem behavior and prevent it from occurring.

Click here to learn how you can better manage behaviors associated with individuals having a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD:

https://nickspecialneeds.com/2018/08/06/blog-212ds-asd-behavior-management/

Challenging behaviors like throwing, dropping and breaking items are tough to deal with, but once you determine what function this behavior serves, you can put a plan in place to curtail it. A good BCBA certified behavior specialist can guide you through the process by doing a Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) and creating a positive Behavior Support Plan (BSP). Getting on top of these behaviors will create a calmer and less frustrating living environment for the whole family.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

Follow Nick:

Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nickdsautism/

Twitter @tjunnerstall

Posted in Autism, Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism

DS-ASD,How to Manage Throwing and Dropping Behaviors

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

DS-ASD, How to Manage Throwing and Dropping Behaviors

Over the weekend I read several posts on Facebook dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD) groups.  Many parents were seeking help and guidance.  Their big question was- How to manage throwing and dropping behaviors?  My son Nick is 25 years old.  He has  a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD, and his fair share of these two behaviors.  Short of waving a magic wand, these undesirable behaviors can be curtailed with behavior management.

magic wand (2)

The first step is to determine what function the target behavior is serving.  When you can decipher what purpose the behavior has for a child, and when these occur, you and the IEP team can come up with a plan for behavior management. A behavior support plan (BSP) can outline strategies and replacement behaviors that are more suitable and desired both at school and home.

You can read more about how identify the function of behaviors and put a positive behavior support plan in place for dropping and throwing by clicking on the following link:

https://nickspecialneeds.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/blog-3-getting-your-goat/

This is one of the first blogs that I wrote back in 2012, that provides a blueprint on how we managed the throwing and dropping behaviors with my son, Nick. Blog #3~DS-ASD Getting your goat, still happens to be one of my favorites, to this day. 🙂

The current status of dropping and throwing behaviors with my son varies from day-to-day.  The function is still boredom and attention seeking and somewhat sensory related, when we as his parents, are busy around the house. Since 2012, Nick has more jobs around the house like recycling, unloading the dishwasher, vacuuming, and helping to roll the garbage and recycling bins to the  curb. Heavy work activities are part of a good sensory diet that are calming and organizing to the brain. I still have to remind myself not to let Nick get my goat.  But instead, I try my best to respond, and not react.  I highly recommend this great resource book, by David S. Stein, Psy. D., to learn more about behavior management:  

Book Supporting Positive Behavior DS

Behavior management can help decrease the incidences of negative behaviors such as throwing and dropping in children, teens and adults with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD).  Collaborate with the IEP team and a certified BCBA therapist to do the detective work with a functional behavior assessment (FBA) that can lead to a positive behavior support plan (BSP).  Remember always try to respond and not react, when your child is trying to get your goat.

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

Follow Nick:

Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice of Autism

Instagram #nickdsaustism

Twitter @tjunnerstall

 

Posted in Autism, Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism

DS-ASD~Getting Additional Services and Support to Help Your Child

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

DS-ASD~Getting Additional Services and Support to Help Your Child

Are you a parent of a child with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD)?  Or do you have a child that you suspect may have an additional diagnosis of autism along with Down syndrome?  My son, Nick is 25 years old and has a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD.  When we got the secondary diagnosis of autism, our son was able to receive additional support and services both in school and home.

This week, I want to share some of the additional services, support and resources that has helped us to navigate the dual diagnosis of DS-ASD with our son, Nick.

down syndrome and autism bracelet

Click on the following link to learn more: 

https://nickspecialneeds.com/2016/09/12/blog-155more-than-just-down-syndrome/

Navigating the path of a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD with your child has its challenges.  But there are many services, supports and resources that can enable parents and educators to help a child with DS-ASD.  Obtaining these services does take patience and tenacity, and it doesn’t happen overnight. (In fact, getting these services and supports took several years for us.)  But all of these tools will better equip you as a parent to take on the secondary diagnosis of autism, along with Down syndrome.

That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

~Teresa

Follow Nick:

Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism

Instagram #nickdsautism

Twitter @tjunnerstall

 

 

 

Posted in Adult Day Programs for Special Needs, Autism, Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

Blog #229~DS-ASD Winter Update

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #229~DS-ASD Winter Update

Chicago winter 2019

This winter weather has been bitter and harsh, here in Chicago.  Fortunately, we missed the plummeting temperatures last week, while vacationing in Vail, Colorado.  My son, Nick is 24 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism (DS-ASD).  Here’s an update on what Nick’s been up to this winter and the highlights of our trip to Vail.

The weather in Vail was mild, with temperatures in the 35-40 degree range and plenty of sunshine.  There is something to be said about sunlight and how it can elevate your mood.  The clear blue skies, warm sun, fresh air, and beautiful mountain views, can do wonders for the soul.

Vail sunset 2019

Nick enjoyed his time with our friends in Vail.  The village is always a fun place to visit.  Here’s Nick at lunch and with his Dad, Al :)…..

 

The highlight of the week, for Nick was dog sledding.  This is the second year we’ve done this with Mountain Mushers, who offer the best dog sledding rides in the Vail Valley.  Nick was happy to see his buddy, Cameron who was our dog sled musher last year.  He always gets such a kick seeing all the happy dogs, who bark with excitement as the sleds loaded up.

All bundled up in the sled and ready to go, and guess what, he actually kept his hat and gloves on this time.  Yay Nick! 🙂

 

The scenic trail was packed with alot more snow this year, making the ride faster. His favorite part is when the sled goes over the bumps and flies down the hills. Nick is a thrill seeker, who always signs “more” when a roller coaster ride is over.  He also loves the Disney movie Snow Dogs, so this was a perfect blend of his favorite things.  Towards the end of the ride, his Dad got to try his hand at mushing.  Check out the Facebook, Instagram and Twitter links below to see videos of them dog sledding in action all this week. 🙂 

Today it’s a balmy 50 degrees here in Chicago, and Nick has returned to his adult developmental training day program.  It’s hard to believe the turn around in temperatures……

Chicago temp difference

As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, Nick attends a day program that he truly enjoys.  The adult developmental training program curriculum includes functional and academic work activities, crafts, exercise, cooking, entertainment, and community outings.  The staff reports that Nick has so much potential and does awesome at the learning centers and work choices.  They have a lot of fun, especially over the holidays. Activities included a big Christmas lunch, wearing ugly sweaters, listening to a local high school choir and making wreaths, gingerbread houses and pillows.

Here’ s a no sew pillow that Nick made…..

nick pillow

If you look closely in the picture above, you might notice a stop icon on the dishwasher.  There are many of these stop signs on the start buttons around our house.  Individuals with a diagnosis of autism can benefit from the use of icons, to better guide their days.  Nick has a thing for pushing buttons and fire alarms.  His behavior support plan (BSP) addresses the fire alarm pulling.  Twice each day, the staff at his day program take him on a walk down the hallways.  They encourage and cue him to “keep walking” with “hands to self”.  Before these walks, the staff reads his social story that contains pictures of how to  navigate these hall walks.  Upon successful completion, Nick earns a reward.

Click on this link to learn more about the BSP and his social story: https://nickspecialneeds.com/tag/social-stories/

That wraps up Nick’s world and what he’s been up to this winter.  Navigating a dual diagnosis of  DS-ASD has it’s good and bad days.  Fortunately, the good days now outweigh the bad.  I think it’s both maturity on Nick’s part, along with the wisdom and understanding gained from being his parent.  Big guy has a milestone birthday coming up, I look forward to sharing more with you next Monday!  What is one thing that Nick has taught you over the past 24+ years?  I’d love to hear your feedback. 🙂

That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 

Follow Nick on Social Media to see more pics and videos:

Nick head shot in vail

Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism

Instagram #nickdsautism and more on dog sledding #mountainmushers

Twitter @tjunnerstall

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Adult Day Programs for Special Needs, Autism, Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Dual Diagnosis Down syndrome and autism

Blog #224~Using Social Stories for Behavior Management

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #224~Using Social Stories for Behavior Management

Nick’s got a thing for button pushing, all kinds.  You name it, he pushes them, including mine.  Phone intercom, microwave fan, dishwasher, and his all-time favorite, fire alarms. My son is 24 years old and has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism.   He has a behavior support plan in place to address this behavior, along with throwing and dropping objects.  The incidences of the behaviors, seem to occur when he is bored or seeking attention.  It would be tempting to just throw my hands up in the air and accept this as Nick just being Nick.  However, I have always been determined to find ways to make things better for my son.  So, a few months ago, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work with Nick’s behaviorist.  Have things improved, yes and that’s what I’m happy to report this week.

Big Guy Nick 🙂

Nick has quite a rap sheet pulling over 50 fire alarm pulls since third grade.  In Blog #216~Putting Social Stories Into Action, I wrote about creating social stories to shape the desired behavior you want for a child.  A social story is a visual support that can help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities understand new events, along with reinforcing skills, tasks or behaviors.  The behaviorist and I created an incentive plan built into a social story. This is reviewed twice at his adult developmental training program.  The story encourages Nick to make good choices.  Following the story read, Nick walks the halls with a staff member.

The staff cues Nick, using the compliance commands, “hands to self” and “big guys keep walking”.  Now I hope this doesn’t jinx anything, but I’m pleased to report that Nick has gone 3 months without pulling a fire alarm.  🙂

Now back to the behaviors he exhibits around the house.  In Blog #216, the behavior of throwing his iPads was addressed.  For a week, I locked both of them up.  After a very long week, Nick was excited to get them back.  Before this occurred, I read this social story to him several times, having him follow along and pointing to the basket where he needs to put the iPads when he is all done.  The incidences of Nick dropping and throwing his iPads has reduced significantly.

iPad Social Story:

The success of the behaviors improving are due to 3 things.  Nick, as do many individuals with autism, respond well to visuals.  He may not be able to read words, but he can follow along with the pictures and understand what is expected.  Secondly, parents and caregivers must be consistent in reading the social story and remain in close proximity, reminding the child to make good choices.  Behavior change doesn’t happen just by making a behavior plan and putting together a social story.  Success occurs when everyone is on board to carry out the plan in a consistent manner and follow through with consequences.

Have these behaviors been extinguished?  The answer is no to that question, but they have been contained.  Nick attempted to pull a fire alarm out in the community last week, but failed.  At home, he drops and tries to throw his iPads, but not near as much.  I have to stay on him to make good choices and reward him with praise and elbow bumps when he does.  If he doesn’t make a good choice the iPads get locked up.

I think the fact that my son is open to making good choices and being more compliant, is a win in my book.  I find it hopeful, that Nick is learning new behaviors at age 24.  I will continue to strive on following through and reinforcing the desired behaviors that will help Nick be more respectful and compliant young adult.

That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

~Teresa

Follow Nick:

Facebook and Pinterest @Down Syndrome With Slice Of Autism

Instagram #nickdsautism

Twitter @tjunnerstall