Thursday, April 16, 2009
ABC Data for treating problem behaviors
First and foremost it is important to have data on your child's behaviors. Before we change our children's negative behaviors we first must specifically identify the behaviors as well what brought them on and how we handled them in the past. You can easily make your own data sheet by drawing three columns on a lined piece of notebook paper. Then make an A in the first column, B in the second column, and a C in the third column. This is called an ABC data sheet. The letters stand for antecedent, behavior, and consequence. Now you can begin recording data when your child has a behavior. Write down what occurred right before the behavior in column A (ex. told her no, asked him to come inside, etc). Next record actual behavior in column B (ex. hitting with open-hands, screaming "No!" etc.) and lastly record what the child's consequence was (ex. Mom yelled "Go to your room," Dad ignored behavior, etc.) and of course if your child complied with the consequence. This is so important because you will start to see patterns in your child's behavior. Behaviors that are reoccurring at high rates are being reinforced so you want to look at changing the consequence. Despite what you might think sometimes spankings and yelling can be reinforcers instead of punishers. Which is which has to do with the actual behavior of the child. If the behaviors occur more frequently they are being reinforced, if they occur less frequently they are being punished. The same is true for good behavior as well as bad behavior. For example your child might not give hugs or offer to help because he is not reinforced to do so, or worse he was punished in the past if a parent may have said "not now," or "I'm too busy." For a data sheet on a word document or just more info you can email me at: jennica.verbalbehavior@hotmail.com
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Sensory Integration (SI)
EmilieAn,
It sounds like Beckett may have SI.(I do NOT diagnosis children) The issues you described do not sound like aspergers or autism, unless there are more problems you left out like lack of eye contact, poor social skills, deficits in language, etc.
Sensory integration is a disorder that affects the senses. Almost all autistic children have SI, but one can have SI without being on the autistic spectrum, which I think is your case.
Imagine wearing clothes that have been soaked in starch, listening to radio or TV that sounds like loud static, and things that lightly touch you feel like sand paper. All your senses are magnified and everything seems uncomfortable at times. That is what SI is like. Beckett probably probably has items he refuses to touch (they may be wet, sticky, or rough) and he might have items he absolutely loves like silk or satin if he has SI. Deep pressure may also feel good to him and he may be repelled by soft or light touches.
If this does not sound like Beckett, something else may be going on. Let me know what you think.
It sounds like Beckett may have SI.(I do NOT diagnosis children) The issues you described do not sound like aspergers or autism, unless there are more problems you left out like lack of eye contact, poor social skills, deficits in language, etc.
Sensory integration is a disorder that affects the senses. Almost all autistic children have SI, but one can have SI without being on the autistic spectrum, which I think is your case.
Imagine wearing clothes that have been soaked in starch, listening to radio or TV that sounds like loud static, and things that lightly touch you feel like sand paper. All your senses are magnified and everything seems uncomfortable at times. That is what SI is like. Beckett probably probably has items he refuses to touch (they may be wet, sticky, or rough) and he might have items he absolutely loves like silk or satin if he has SI. Deep pressure may also feel good to him and he may be repelled by soft or light touches.
If this does not sound like Beckett, something else may be going on. Let me know what you think.
Developmental Norms for 2 year old
Does your child at 24 months:
Pretend play with you with more than one action, like feeding the doll and then putting the doll to sleep?
Use and understand at least 50 words? (There is conflicting research that says a 2 year old child should have 150-200 words)
Use at least two words together (without imitating or repeating) and in a way that makes sense, like “want juice”?
Enjoy being next to children of the same age and show interest in playing with them, perhaps giving a toy to another child?
Look for familiar objects out of sight when asked?
Adapted from:
Pretend play with you with more than one action, like feeding the doll and then putting the doll to sleep?
Use and understand at least 50 words? (There is conflicting research that says a 2 year old child should have 150-200 words)
Use at least two words together (without imitating or repeating) and in a way that makes sense, like “want juice”?
Enjoy being next to children of the same age and show interest in playing with them, perhaps giving a toy to another child?
Look for familiar objects out of sight when asked?
Adapted from:
Services for children with autism & related disorders
Where to go when there's a problem
EmilieAn (also please read my comments posted below your question),
Sara Smalley is a parent in Hawaii who has a child with autism. She has a plethora of experience in working with the system and getting services. Here is her blog:
Usually it starts with a doctor's referral to a specialist, then if there's a problem; a diagnosis, and then depending on the need and the diagnosis, services from a variety of therapists. Sometimes it is an occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech therapist, skills trainer, etc. These services are from the Department of Health as long as Beckett is under 3, after age 3 he will be under jurisdiction of the Department of Education. It is best to treat as young as possible so do not delay!
You have an additional option being military: the exceptional family member program. Find out who to contact (sorry I am unsure of the process) and begin the process, the good news about the military is that you can continue services without switching at age 3. If you decide to seek services let me know, I know many of the providers in Hawaii and can let you know who the good ones are!
You can also email me privately and I can give you my number for additional help!
EmilieAn (also please read my comments posted below your question),
Sara Smalley is a parent in Hawaii who has a child with autism. She has a plethora of experience in working with the system and getting services. Here is her blog:
Usually it starts with a doctor's referral to a specialist, then if there's a problem; a diagnosis, and then depending on the need and the diagnosis, services from a variety of therapists. Sometimes it is an occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech therapist, skills trainer, etc. These services are from the Department of Health as long as Beckett is under 3, after age 3 he will be under jurisdiction of the Department of Education. It is best to treat as young as possible so do not delay!
You have an additional option being military: the exceptional family member program. Find out who to contact (sorry I am unsure of the process) and begin the process, the good news about the military is that you can continue services without switching at age 3. If you decide to seek services let me know, I know many of the providers in Hawaii and can let you know who the good ones are!
You can also email me privately and I can give you my number for additional help!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Potty training: in general
Becky thanks for asking about toilet training, it is so common to be concerned and unsure of how to handle it. There are many ways to potty train a child, I will leave some tips and you can decide which would be best for little Ollie.
General guidelines: you are correct in your comment about implementing a bootcamp program and not gradually easing a child into it. Consistency is the key (as it is with any behavioral training). Make sure you are all in--don't be wishy-washy (behavioral term! just kidding) about starting a program. You may not want to start if you cannot keep with the program, like if you are moving or having a baby (HINT-HINT--however if done properly Ollie could be potty trained in a weekend). Also get your potty language straight. Are you going to say pee-pee, bathroom, toilet, or potty? Be consistent with everyone involved and use the same language every time so your child knows what you are talking about when you ask "Do you need to go potty?"
Signs your child is ready: if your child feels uncomfortable if wet or soiled (especially if they tell you--signs of tugging or pulling on a dirty diaper are also good). Also if they hide when having a bowel movement (BM) or urinating, although this usually happens only with BMs. If your child shows interest when parents/siblings use the toilet or if they wish to participate in toileting routines like washing hands, pulling up/down pants, flushing potty.
General guidelines: you are correct in your comment about implementing a bootcamp program and not gradually easing a child into it. Consistency is the key (as it is with any behavioral training). Make sure you are all in--don't be wishy-washy (behavioral term! just kidding) about starting a program. You may not want to start if you cannot keep with the program, like if you are moving or having a baby (HINT-HINT--however if done properly Ollie could be potty trained in a weekend). Also get your potty language straight. Are you going to say pee-pee, bathroom, toilet, or potty? Be consistent with everyone involved and use the same language every time so your child knows what you are talking about when you ask "Do you need to go potty?"
Signs your child is ready: if your child feels uncomfortable if wet or soiled (especially if they tell you--signs of tugging or pulling on a dirty diaper are also good). Also if they hide when having a bowel movement (BM) or urinating, although this usually happens only with BMs. If your child shows interest when parents/siblings use the toilet or if they wish to participate in toileting routines like washing hands, pulling up/down pants, flushing potty.
Potty training: the Potty Party Method
Where to start: because you have a typical child I suggest the potty party method. It's fun, easy, and a great way to make using the potty a fun experience. You should give your bathroom a good scrub down first because you may be spending your weekend here. Starting in the morning is a good idea because Ollie is more likely to go when he first wakes up. Take him straight to the potty, where there are toys, games, books, foods, even a DVD player if you can manage (I like to use a small portable one). Put him on the potty and wait to see if he urinates. He will do one of two things:
#1)Go potty--if he does this make it a BIG deal! LOTS of cheering and whatever reinforcers (preferred item) he has--edible ones are great (but it should be something special he does not get daily)
#2)You guessed it--does not go, and most likely he will not right away. It's okay, do whatever you can to keep him on the potty with the toys, books, DVD, etc. If he just refuses keep him in the bathroom with the items without clothes on, so he can see whats happening when he goes. During this phase you flood his system with liquid. Whatever he wants, every kind of juice, milk, water, etc. Now you wait, hopefully he will be on the potty when goes (see #1) if not, rush him there and show him what to do, if at first you don't succeed...
Now you have had your first successful interaction with the potty. Depending on how well Ollie does this you will need to decide where to go from here.
Additional note: have daddy model going potty!
#1)Go potty--if he does this make it a BIG deal! LOTS of cheering and whatever reinforcers (preferred item) he has--edible ones are great (but it should be something special he does not get daily)
#2)You guessed it--does not go, and most likely he will not right away. It's okay, do whatever you can to keep him on the potty with the toys, books, DVD, etc. If he just refuses keep him in the bathroom with the items without clothes on, so he can see whats happening when he goes. During this phase you flood his system with liquid. Whatever he wants, every kind of juice, milk, water, etc. Now you wait, hopefully he will be on the potty when goes (see #1) if not, rush him there and show him what to do, if at first you don't succeed...
Now you have had your first successful interaction with the potty. Depending on how well Ollie does this you will need to decide where to go from here.
Additional note: have daddy model going potty!
Potty training & data taking
Where to turn if the potty fails: Now we are getting more complex--we use data. What?!?! Potty data? you may ask. Yes potty data. (I will attach a potty data sheet next, I just need to find it on my computer first) You will want to record when he is going #1 and #2 and see if this correlates with eating/drinking or sleeping. You do this by putting him undies (you can buy extra thick ones so he doesn't go all over the place) and then record when he goes for a day or two. This will tell you if your child is a frequent urinator or can hold off for longer periods of time. This way you will know how often you need to take Ollie to the potty if you chose the next method.
Potty training: by Foxx & Azrin
Foxx and Azrin have written several books on toilet training, one of which is called: Toilet Training in Less Than a Day. In their book they outline 5 basic principles for toilet training:
1) Give extra drinks. This will make them urinate more frequently so they have more opportunity to practice their new skill.
2) Scheduled trips to the potty--be consistent use a timer! (data sheet comes in handy and will tell you often to schedule trips). This can be every 10, 20, 30 minutes, even hourly depending on your child. Once your child initiates trips independently and regularly the schedule can cease.
3) Dry pants checks. You should ask your child "Are your pants dry?" also at scheduled intervals, say every 20 minutes. Have them feel to see, if they are dry reward them with a small edible item (m&m, skittle, chocolate kiss, jelly bean, whatever they like). If at any time you notice your child is wet do a dry check immediately and follow #4.
4) Positive practice for accidents. This means when your child has an accident you take them from the spot they had the accident to the toilet and back five to ten times. I agree with some experts that say positive practice is a form of positive punishment. The idea here is that they pretend they are going to the bathroom (with pulling wet pants down and back up each time) to practice using the toilet. The pros to this method is that it is highly effective--children learn quickly that they do not want to do this again and stop having accidents. The cons are that the reason it works is because it's highly aversive; children hate it. It's up to you as a parent to decide what you feel comfortable with.
5) Data taking; for reasons previously explained and to measure the success of your program.
1) Give extra drinks. This will make them urinate more frequently so they have more opportunity to practice their new skill.
2) Scheduled trips to the potty--be consistent use a timer! (data sheet comes in handy and will tell you often to schedule trips). This can be every 10, 20, 30 minutes, even hourly depending on your child. Once your child initiates trips independently and regularly the schedule can cease.
3) Dry pants checks. You should ask your child "Are your pants dry?" also at scheduled intervals, say every 20 minutes. Have them feel to see, if they are dry reward them with a small edible item (m&m, skittle, chocolate kiss, jelly bean, whatever they like). If at any time you notice your child is wet do a dry check immediately and follow #4.
4) Positive practice for accidents. This means when your child has an accident you take them from the spot they had the accident to the toilet and back five to ten times. I agree with some experts that say positive practice is a form of positive punishment. The idea here is that they pretend they are going to the bathroom (with pulling wet pants down and back up each time) to practice using the toilet. The pros to this method is that it is highly effective--children learn quickly that they do not want to do this again and stop having accidents. The cons are that the reason it works is because it's highly aversive; children hate it. It's up to you as a parent to decide what you feel comfortable with.
5) Data taking; for reasons previously explained and to measure the success of your program.
Potty training: No Messing Around
I call this method the no messing around method because it's straight forward and simple. It may foster frustration and evoke emotional responses so it may not be the best method depending on your child. You can buy the child special underwear with their favorite character and can make a big deal about how special they are and they have to be careful not to get them wet. You simply put the child in underwear (except for naps and bedtime) and allow them to have an accident. It may sound bad (especially for your carpet) but children usually have accidents anyway. Once they have an accident you rush them to the potty and show them where to go (you don't scold or make a big deal about the accident, just say "lets go potty"). Have them act as if they are really going to the bathroom, pulling down pants sit on potty, wipe, flush, you can keep fresh pants and underwear (plain ones without characters on them) in the bathroom to put on, wash hands, etc. Also there is an additional step in which your child goes back to the accident spot and cleans it up to deter him from doing it in the future. Be patient with this method.
Potty training: Free Stylin' Method
Is this all too complicated and more info than you wanted to hear? My friend once let her 2 year old run around naked outside, and waited for him to pee, when he started she would rush him over to a designated "pee tree" and have him pee on tree. Then she brought a potty chair outside and put it in front of the tree. Then slowly moved the chair foot-by-foot into the house and into the bathroom. However she lives in Hawaii and has the luxury of letting her son run around nakey all day. Hope this helps!
How to teach sign language
You can teach your child signs if they are not yet talkers or are having trouble formulating words.
#1) Start with what motivates your child. What are their favorite items? Chip, jump, swing, ball, etc. Hold off on non-reinforcing signs like potty for now. Try starting with 3-5 signs, you be the judge of how quickly your child learns. You can buy a signing book or go to www.lifeprint.com/ to learn the signs.
#2) Set the scene, put out a few of your child's favorite items you want to teach them the signs for. Once they move towards an item or try to grab the item, block access to the item momentarily and model the sign for item. (NOTE: you can modify signs so they are easier for the child.) Then take their hands and do the sign for them. You have to be quick or your child will be frustrated they are not getting the item.
If your child gets frustrated it's OKAY! Put the item away and try again later, you may be leaving a screaming child on the floor, but they will learn quickly once they understand the concept, I sign, I get.
#3) Once you model the sign and the child models the sign with help IMMEDIATELY give the item. The rule is within 3 seconds, the child needs to get the item to connect the signing with getting the item. NO going to answer the phone while teaching signing.
#4) Repeat this process OVER and OVER until your child starts independently signing for items, the more you practice the more your child will sign. (NOTE: I like to use edible items so the child has to ask repeatedly for the item. If you use crackers break off tiny pieces so they have to ask for it more often and chose a time when your child is not satiated from lunch but is not so deprived of food you will see behaviors. If you are teaching "swing" or "jump" use the swing set and stop them ever few pushes so they have to sign again, same with a trampoline, jump with them holding their hands)
This is so fun to do with your kids, make it a positive experience and they will be signing all day! Questions? Problems? Let me know!
#1) Start with what motivates your child. What are their favorite items? Chip, jump, swing, ball, etc. Hold off on non-reinforcing signs like potty for now. Try starting with 3-5 signs, you be the judge of how quickly your child learns. You can buy a signing book or go to www.lifeprint.com/ to learn the signs.
#2) Set the scene, put out a few of your child's favorite items you want to teach them the signs for. Once they move towards an item or try to grab the item, block access to the item momentarily and model the sign for item. (NOTE: you can modify signs so they are easier for the child.) Then take their hands and do the sign for them. You have to be quick or your child will be frustrated they are not getting the item.
If your child gets frustrated it's OKAY! Put the item away and try again later, you may be leaving a screaming child on the floor, but they will learn quickly once they understand the concept, I sign, I get.
#3) Once you model the sign and the child models the sign with help IMMEDIATELY give the item. The rule is within 3 seconds, the child needs to get the item to connect the signing with getting the item. NO going to answer the phone while teaching signing.
#4) Repeat this process OVER and OVER until your child starts independently signing for items, the more you practice the more your child will sign. (NOTE: I like to use edible items so the child has to ask repeatedly for the item. If you use crackers break off tiny pieces so they have to ask for it more often and chose a time when your child is not satiated from lunch but is not so deprived of food you will see behaviors. If you are teaching "swing" or "jump" use the swing set and stop them ever few pushes so they have to sign again, same with a trampoline, jump with them holding their hands)
This is so fun to do with your kids, make it a positive experience and they will be signing all day! Questions? Problems? Let me know!
Teaching sign language
Teaching signs to small non verbal children has recently become quite popular. Teaching signs is beneficial in many ways. First and foremost it aids your small child in communicating with you. When your child is too young to speak, signs can greatly help because once your child knows a few they CAN communicate. This decreases frustration (on both sides) and problem behaviors. Not only that but recent studies have shown that signs actually promote language once children can verbalize by acting as a physical prompt. So that means if you teach your child "ball" and one day ask them "what do you want?" they may sign "ball" and then say the word, the signing helped them remember the actual word ball.
I once taught a two year boy who had no language but over 200 signs from watching "Signing Time" on PBS. He signed randomly, first I taught him to use meaningful signs (instead of signing "brushing teeth" while swimming he was taught to sign things like "milk" when he wanted a drink). Next we paired the signs with word sounds and required him to sound out while signing, like saying the c sound while signing "cookie." We then shaped the c sound to become more and more like the actual word "cookie." Soon he dropped the signs on his own and just said "cookie." Of course this child had a speech delay, but the same idea applies to typical children.
I once taught a two year boy who had no language but over 200 signs from watching "Signing Time" on PBS. He signed randomly, first I taught him to use meaningful signs (instead of signing "brushing teeth" while swimming he was taught to sign things like "milk" when he wanted a drink). Next we paired the signs with word sounds and required him to sound out while signing, like saying the c sound while signing "cookie." We then shaped the c sound to become more and more like the actual word "cookie." Soon he dropped the signs on his own and just said "cookie." Of course this child had a speech delay, but the same idea applies to typical children.
I stole this from my other blog, hope it helps
Reinforcers & Punishers
What we know from studying behavior is that it is usually predictable and we behave the way we do because of a past history of reinforcement or punishment. For example your child might throw a tantrum to gain access to reinforcers (lets say candy) due to a past history of you (or someone else) giving your child candy for crying. It happens everyday. Another example might be that you do not put demands on your child while he is watching TV because in the past he has screamed and hit when you did. Your behavior was punished in the past and as a result you no longer do it. You may ask for a kiss from your spouse because in the past they kissed you and therefore reinforcing your "asking for a kiss" behavior. The examples are endless.
What we know from studying behavior is that it is usually predictable and we behave the way we do because of a past history of reinforcement or punishment. For example your child might throw a tantrum to gain access to reinforcers (lets say candy) due to a past history of you (or someone else) giving your child candy for crying. It happens everyday. Another example might be that you do not put demands on your child while he is watching TV because in the past he has screamed and hit when you did. Your behavior was punished in the past and as a result you no longer do it. You may ask for a kiss from your spouse because in the past they kissed you and therefore reinforcing your "asking for a kiss" behavior. The examples are endless.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Applied Behavior Analysis
Did you know behavior is a science? Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA—most commonly used with autistic children) is used world wide and is proven effective in treating problem behaviors. Heres a website for more info on ABA: http://vbcommunity.org.uk/
Welcome
It is very common to hear from friends and family members who are also parents say "I just don't know what to do." Well I have started this blog in hopes of aiding parents and answering questions about behavior.
If you have a question unrelated to what I am posting about go ahead and comment anyway with your question. That way I will be sure to see new questions.
I am slowly starting this blog so I hope to be adding to it almost daily eventually but the more questions that are asked the more I will be posting, so ask away...
If you have a question unrelated to what I am posting about go ahead and comment anyway with your question. That way I will be sure to see new questions.
I am slowly starting this blog so I hope to be adding to it almost daily eventually but the more questions that are asked the more I will be posting, so ask away...
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