The one thing that worked!

This week I put all my passion into practice and planned a jam packed 1:1 ABA session for an ASD child with speech difficulties.

I made sure I had a bag full of different resources as working with ASD/ Asperger’s children you never know what to expect or what might grab their attention. (I have to admit it’s the challenge of this that inspires me.)

I was welcomed at the door by a very curious, energetic little boy. Who when asked, greeted me by using my name, which thrilled me. We sat down and I dipped into my resource bag and took out some of my “gems” if you like and I began to play with the toys in front of him, overenthusiastically. Squeezing balls, laughing at noisy toys, stretching Koosh balls and “wowing” at flashing toys.

Nothing got his attention. He was not interested.

So I took out a spinning light up sensory toy as I was told he loves visual toys.

Nope, nothing.

The whole time I was reminding myself of my own advice “keep a positive attitude and a lot of patience and you will see results.”

He sat still in his chair gazing around the room. Not exactly my desired reaction from him.

I remained confident.

I then took out some bubbles and started blowing them slowly, finally I got his eye contact.

When encouraged to, he sat beside me and engaged in the “popping” game and soon after I began the session.

Like anything in life some things in the session worked and some things didn’t. I made
sure I never let myself become disheartened by the “bumps in the road.”

He quickly understood his “reward points” system I set up for him and by the end of our session he began to tick his own chart, count his ticks and understanding when it was his reward time.

Which was fantastic for our first session.

After completing all the activities I planned for him and maintaining his concentration for 1 hour and half, I allowed him some free time.

I thoroughly believe that my consistent positive attitude was a huge factor in the session being successful.

Make sure whenever you start something new with your ASD/Asperger’s child you too remember that not everything will work, sometimes it’s the last thing you try that can gain a reaction, like the bubbles.

 

Speak with you soon, until then

 

Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a difference today!

 

Emma Ottaway

The Autism Support Specialist