Got an update from ND kiddo's #OT and it sounds like they're making progress.
I'm curious, are there any individuals out there that felt that OT helped/didn't help them? Wish they had it and didn't? Wish they didn't have it and did?
Our OT are helping with emotional regulation and body signals and calming strategies.
@BlueStateBabe hmmm, they are not. They send me a message after each session (they attend his school for them) and let me know how he went and what progress they've made, but they never tell me what they do.
Definitely ask. Then incorporate into your daily routines. That way your child will understand that these strategies apply across settings, not just with one person in a clinical setting.
@BlueStateBabe great point - I hadn't thought of it like that. Thank you!
Glad to be of help. My Master's was focused on autism interventions. I enjoyed working with the kids as well as being able to bring it home to work with mine.
@gabzi3la IMO when services happen in a silo, it's more difficult for children to generalize them. And for you to incorporate them (including the terms) at home. In-home ABA has been wonderful for us. Four years of it and still going. I learn SO much and my son knows I know LOL!
@gabzi3la I was undiagnosed, so never had that kind of therapy.
What I’ve heard from many, many #autistic people who have been through things like ABA is that it can be helpful when it puts the perspective and needs of the child first, but is often harmful.
If the focus is on forcing the child to appear “normal”, to put NT people at ease, then what’s it’s really doing is putting additional pressure and stress on a child who is already likely stressed due to sensitivities, etc.
@gabzi3la That kind of “conversion therapy” is designed to force the child to mask. Masking has been linked to mental health problems and a drastically higher risk of suicide later in life. It also tends to convince kids that they have no bodily autonomy, that their role is to appease those around them even if it makes them uncomfortable.
It’s tricky, though, because some therapists call what they do ABA so that it can be billed to insurance, while actually providing non-harmful guidance.
@gabzi3la
Best advice I can give: if the therapist talks more about “controlling behaviors” than about the child’s needs, RUN.
@sanau thank you, I don't think it is ABA that they are doing but I am going to be taking a closer look at it to be sure. I don't want my son to fit into the world, I want the world to fit around my son.
@gabzi3la I wish every autistic kiddo had a mama like you. 🙂
@sanau ❤️ I appreciate that, thank you.
@gabzi3la Those were covered in social skills class for my spectrum kiddos. But wherever it is learned, success comes down to the skills of the therapist and the connection between your child and the therapist.Are they connecting with you after each session, explaining the techniques, so that you can practice throughout the week with your child?