WHOO HOO! Therapy is done, testing completed, and feedback given...all 100% positive!
In my hour-long meeting today with Ms. Renee, she shared with me Turbo's standardized test scores. The difference that was shown was remarkable! From July 30th to December 17th, he has shown marked improvement!
She still is pretty adament about me getting him into a gifted program. Mainly because he shows characteristic markers of a gifted thinker. I guess, that will be another day.... AHHH ME.
But for now, I am just going to enjoy my hot cup of coffee by the nice cozy warm fire and enjoy a book that DOESN'T have to do with SPD!
Our last day of therapy was uneventful at best. We went through the same motions as we have always gone through. Again, I was suppose to fill up Turbo's cup so that it was overflowing with sensory issues that he and Ms. Renee had to work them through in their session. Alas, I could not. Try as I might, I could not get him to explode at a level 5 volcano.
Thinking I somehow failed her when we arrived, she looked at me and smiled and said, "That is a great and encouraging thing to hear!" Taken aback, I realized what was happening! Turbo had self-regulated himself even in times of frustration where he would usually explode! And looking back at the last 4 months and 30 sessions + 2 Parent Education classes and one consultation with a psychologist, we have come a LLOONNGG!!! Way!
The two went about their morning. Ms. Renee was not about to let the puppet play session pass without acknowledging it. Their first scheduled pit stop was to play with the puppets. He did, and he didn't complain. He cooperated! Ms. Renee suggested that maybe when he doesn't want to do things that are new to him, and might be a bit overwhelming, that it could possibly be that his anxiety is getting the best of him. But when presented later, sooner rather than later, a second time, he is more apt to trying it and experiencing it.
She suggested that using puppets or even pretend kits such as a Doctor Kit, Dentist Kit, etc. anything that he might show anxiety over, to play with to help him have a positive experience first so that when he experiences it in reality, he is able to rely on his past positive and emotionally positive experience of the play time, rather then not being able to process all of the sensory stuff and input that would normally come with it. Unfortunately, I seem to think that because of his need to seek any kind of sensory input such as climbing to the tallest of heights and dropping 7-8 feet from a tall slide, that he doesn't fear anything! But he does. He just doesn't fear that things that I think he should. Paradaigm sift for me and hubby in our ways of parental guidance.
They moved on to playing on the zip line and his play a favorite game of his. He was presented with a certificate of completion at the Star Center, but that really didn't peak any interest from him.
We will return in a couple of weeks for a hour's worth of evaluation tests to see how far he has come since the middle of September. Then after Christmas, both hubby and I will visit one on one with Ms. Renee to discuss the results and if needed, any further thearpy or recommendations.
There have been times during this whole thing where I wished we weren't doing it. Then when I hear thinks from friends and family about how much change they see in Turbo, it helps me to stay positive and keep trucking on.
The top three things learned from this time of therapy for me: 1. Unfortunately, Turbo operates on plans. Plans for everything! But he won't always. In order for our family to have a good day, plans are necessary, but also brings about positive interaction with each other. And, if the current plan isn't working, it is perfectly acceptable to change it and come up with a different plan.
2. There will be days where Turbo cannot self-regulate himself, and that is where us as the parents HAVE to step in to offer suggestions, and not expect him to do it himself. It is my job to recognize the difference between that and him just being a spoiled 5 year old boy.
3. There are so many tools out there that can be used to help him. So many opportunities for him to get help. But in the end, it comes down to us as a family unit and friends who are the ones who will get him through all of this "stuff" with understanding, education, prayer, patience, and of course, grace.
The request from Ms. Renee was to bring Turbo in with his cup already full or at least at the very brim.
Unfortunately, I believe that last night, Turbo was the victim of food poisoning from McDonalds. (secretly jumping up and down at the opportunity to steer clear of the joint!) Moving on.
Although I tried to fill his cup, I didn't push too hard, as I am his mother, and yes I do have a loving heart towards him, even if sometime I am so frustrated with him, that it is hard to show it.
When we got there, I did tell her that I wasn't too confident on my success and told her why. She agreed to back off if things looked grim.
She brought out her puppets again for imaginary play. And because she knows that he is not all too fond of playing with puppets if it has anything to do with situational play where he is uncomfortable. Unfortunately/fortunately, he did not want to participate, and retreated to a corner and asked to go home as this was not a game he wanted to play. So for 35 minutes we sat and talked while Turbo sulked in the corner. He didn't get violent as he usually does, but he did kick the chair at me, where Ms. Renee promptly put him in his place. After some comical scenes and some encouragement, he played briefly so we could move on.
When we did, we had 5 minutes left in the session. We played a quick game and then left for home.
It might have seemed as a total loss of a day, but it was good for me and him to see that he can hold it together and self-regulate away from home.
We are getting down to our last three days of therapy!
This morning,I asked Ms. Renee to do something specific for Turbo. As of late, well, he has always done this, but especially lately, he has really flipped when he doesn't get his way, or things aren't just so. Granted, he is 5, but where is the line drawn between 5 and SPD? He didn't respond quite as I had hoped, but a great word was borne out of the session.
Our time was mostly spent in the "Kitchen Room", where Ms. Renee brought out puppets to play with and a model of a brain. To review the big brain/little brain lingo, puppets were used to talk so that the environment was nonthreatening when it came time for situational learning.
At first, Turbo was happy to oblige in the puppet play. He was able to effectively communicate the terminology as well as give examples of how the big brain/little brain dialogue.
When it came time for situational learning such as a visit to the dentist, he was not as obligatory. He used excuses such as the dog puppet hearing his mom calling his name as a way out, or simply saying the words, "No Thank You." He would even go as far as hiding beneath a chair or table, or just move to the farthest part of the room so that he would not have to mock-play going to the dentist.
While playing with the bubbles, I had a chance to talk with Renee. She suggests continuing with a psychologist who can help with his anxiety issues. She believes that when specific events happened earlier on, say going to the dentist, his SPD didn't allow him to take in all that sensory information/input so he could not process the experience properly. When that "overwhelming" feeling occurred, he shut down and went into Fight or Flight mode. For him, it seems to be Flight. Keeping this in mind, she explained that now he has tools to self-regulate in these intense sensory situations, he is still dealing with that emotional bond to that specific event. A psychologist will be able to help us and him sort through that so that a positive emotional bond is created that overrides the negative. Now, with any future over sensitized situation, Turbo now has the ability and tools to self-regulate.
Parts of me understands this, and yet there is another part where I shake my head no, and wonder if it is just a spoiled 5 year old who had ignorant parents, but have since become the wiser.
All this to say, I did get the name and number to the recommended psychologist for that "just in case" day.
After the long Thanksgiving break, we have our final 4 sessions left.
Today, Ms. Renee introduced MoveAbout Activity Cards. These are much like his Stick Kid cards, but they offer more things to do with a simple things as an exercise ball for example.
Here, he chose to do cannon ball kicks as one of his activities on his cards.
Then he ran and played this game, Hyper Jump. Unfortunately, this game wasn't in the greatest working condition, so that idea had to be scrapped!
Moving on using the same Activity Cards, he chose to do a commando crawl.
And then the backwards push up on the exercise ball.
They continued to play some other games too using these cards. They seem to be very useful.
Next, we used the bolster swing. This swing proved to be very challenging as he had to use all of his core muscles to stay on.
Then, using a tunnel, pillows and the Wedgits, we built patterned pyramids. This, along with strengthening, gave him the proprioceptive feedback that allowed him to self-regulate before our session was over.
Ms. Renee inquired about my intentions for next year for Kindergarten. When I told her that I wanted to Homeschool him, she suggested that I also look into Expeditionary Learning Schools. I am going to have to look into these schools more.
It seems that too many days have passed since our last session and I fear that those recorded words were lost too! AHHHH!!!!
From what I can remember; however, it was a session pretty much like every session. They chose from the book, and made sure that there was a red, blue and green activity, in that order.
But the one thing that Ms. Renee was intent on doing was the monkey bars again. Since they sparked a fit/meltdown at the session on Wednesday, she wanted to make sure that his last memory loop was a good one, one that was a positive loop. Turbo has a horrible tendency to lay in bed at night and "loop" his day through his mind. Sometimes, he will even get stuck on a memory so much as to get up to tell me what he should have done, or has to tell me something, is frightened, etc.
She persuaded him to cross the monkey bars one more time, he did, and was able to move on. Not that he had a problem with that when he got home for the next few days, but it was important for me to see how it can become a problem if I don't leave it on a positive note for him. Once he gets older, this is something he will have to learn for himself, otherwise he can become an insomniac!
To bring his engine down, we played in the ball pit with a cover on it to block out all of the visual and auditory stimulation. She gave him a stuffed dog that vibrated when he hugged him. He didn't show too much attachment to it other than it was fun. We did deduct; however, that vibrating stimulation can almost be a curse to Turbo because it is so over powering to his senses.
One thing we did talk about was ADD/ADHD. As a mom, I might be in denial or might have a gut instinct. But as a teacher, something just doesn't sit well with me on the subject. ADHD is a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination. For these problems to be diagnosed as ADHD, they must be out of the normal range for the child's age and development. Although I agree that Turbo has a struggle with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity and even a combination. But what doesn't sit with me is that these characteristics aren't OUT OF THE NORMAL RANGE FOR THE CHILD'S AGE AND DEVELOPMENT.
First, HE IS A BOY! Second, HE IS FIVE! Again, I say, HE IS A BOY WHO IS FIVE!!! Ms. Renee agreed with me on that part. Using a bunch of scientific mumbo jumbo, which I understood at the time, but can't put it into words for reflective purposes now. The jest is that he is emerging into the stage where the difference between a boy who is 5 and a boy who is 5 with ADHD. It is here where the true markers of ADHD can be seen. With this, I agree.
I stuck out my neck far enough to test the waters and suggested that even if he does have ADHD, instead of medicating him, teaching him behavioral changes and modifications about his SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) would be more beneficial in the long run rather than stuffing a pill down his throat and excusing his behavior as a diagnosis and hope that when he turns 13 that acceptable behaviors will shine through and all this will be behind us. Candidly, I believe she agreed.
Although I am not quite sure I can remember anymore of the session, this was the biggest thing that stuck out most.
As we get to the end of our sessions, my husband and I are coming to the conclusion that our lives will be filled with "plans", for everything: bath, mornings, watching kid shows, naps, etc. If Turbo does not live in a structured day, everyone fills it. So the question is asked: Live in a structured day or live in a day filled with chaos where it affects the entire family. Structured days are more tiresome, but fulfilling. Unstructured days prove to be more tiresome and definitely leaves you with the sinking feeling of a failure at parenthood.
The answer is clear, now if I can just live up to it! ;-)
Again, we were blessed by Daddy's presence at OT. However, getting there was the hardest part! We were stuck in traffic in gridlock for a bit and had to rush to get there!
When we got there, Ms. Renee had a great idea of using pretty much EVERY swing they had to make an obstacle course. This was to help strengthen his core muscles, which allow him to sit still when in the proper posture position. It also challenges him to make a plan when going through the course. By using the swings, each time he goes through the course, his plan has to change because the motion of the swings aren't the same every time. Again, his implusivity was evident as he just wanted to go, but struggled with staying on the swing without touching the ground. Once he realized that making a plan to go through the course was a better idea, he did a great job with only touching the ground once.
SPECIAL DELIVERY! Love letters were sent between Daddy and I and Turbo was to deliver them! Using a rope suspended between the two of us, Turbo laid on his back on a scooter while "climbing" the rope back and forth. He carried our "letters" with his legs. This forced him to strengthen his core muscles, and also forced him to use his vision in a different way. He had to look upside down and backwards.
To help with the vestibular input, we did some proprioceptive input and jumped rope with him. But to work on his impulsivity, we asked him to get in rhythm with the rope before he began jumping.
At the end, we went into a new room that had a microphone. At first, I was dreading this because Turbo equipped with a microphone=disaster!
But Ms. Renee had a chart (HA!) and a meter reader specifically for voice control. One of our goals was to help him realize that there are certain times and places where loud voices are okay, and then other times when it is not. The meter reader was color codes much like his engine meter reader. Only this time, the clipart was different. She also had a chart much like the volcano one for his emotions, but this one read for how loud noises/voices were and what it does to someone's ears.
Using these charts, she had him play with different voice levels with the microphone that was hooked up to headphones. Hee, Hee...he had to listen to his own voice right in his ears when he screamed...talk about a taste of your own medicine! At first, he didn't notice, but when Ms. Renee spoke loudly into the microphone, he immediately took off his headphones and said, "No thank you, I don't want to play this anymore." After some prodding, it was because her voice was too loud...SUCCESS! He realized it! FINALLY!!
I didn't get a chance to snap a picture of the charts, but I'm sure I can next time.
Today was a special day because Daddy was able to join us for OT. It began by choosing our plan for the day. Yes, I am becoming well aware that my life will inevitably by directed and mastered by plans. As you look around our home, everywhere you turn, there is a plan, chart or some sort of display meant for Turbo.
Moving on.
Turbo chose the helicopter swing, so Ms. Renee thought of a game to play. As he spun in circles, he was to listen to her call out commands, such as: Blue:Feet, Yellow:Hands. Check out the video.
It was time to work some more on his Vision Program. He has gotten a lot better with his slow tracking movement.
Afterwards, Turbo was able to show Daddy how Whack-A-Mole worked. This was a great opportunity for him to review the touch rules and then be able to communicate them to Daddy.
Then of course, we HAD to play the Jedi Knight training game. This time, however, Daddy got to play. It was great, because Daddy was in charge of one tower, while Turbo was in charge of two. As the lights went out, and the game begun, it was interesting to see how he handled the division of attention. He had to focus on his towers, while also dividing his attention to Daddy's tower. Then, he had to realize that he had the take turns in whacking the lights out. He did a good job, but later this weekend while playing a game, he really struck out learning how to take turns. Work in progress, work in progress....
Wound up tighter than a top. This would probably accurately describe Turbo today BEFORE therapy. When we got there, Ms. Renee worked on getting him self-regulated. She gave him a heavy ball, about 2 pounds and had him play with it while he climbed the rainbow in the small gym. This helped to self regulate him.
Afterwards, we practiced recognizing facial expressions. By adding movement (proprioception) to the activity (sliding down the slide), he was able to move, but still concentrate. Ms. Renee would give him pictures of kids showing a variety of facial expressions (mad, sad, angry, surprised, etc.) To go down the slide, he had to do the same expression while I tried to guess what it was. Then we switched. I mimicked the picture while he tried to guess what facial expression/emotion that I was showing.
Ms. Renee suggested that because Turbo is such a fast mover (Huh...sarcastic laugh), that he will most of the time miss facial expressions. Seems to reason why sometimes he doesn't get that I am upset, angry, surprised or worried about his shinanigans that he pulls!
Unfortunately, another family needed to use the small gym which meant that our plan needed to change, and Turbo was unable to use the trampoline that he had already choosen for his plan for the day. This change in plan/routine was the beginning of what would be a meltdown. He was very sad that he couldn't jump on the trampoline and began to justify why he should stay and not move. He even offered different ideas for the family just so he didn't have to move. Finally, we helped him through it and thought of something else for his plan. It worked to get him out of the gym, but it didn't help in the long run.
Unfortunately, the game that they decided on to do couldn't be found, and the second trampoline that we thought would work, didn't, and Turbo was disappointed. So not only was he emotionally disappointed, but now his plan was changed, then changed again, and then the game wasn't what he picked. So the last half of the session was used to maintain him self-regulation why helping him to work through this change.
On a good note, I did find something that could help him sit/stand and help strengthen his core. Of course, we probably won't get this soon, but it is something to think about when the time comes.
This morning, Ms. Renee took us into the table top room to work on some stuff at the table. She also wanted to show me a great chair for Turbo and to show how he sits while sitting on a wedge with a food rest. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the ideas! Now to make them a reality in our home!
She also gave me an idea for a hand strengthening activity that pretty much won't cost me anything. A tennis ball.
She used a steak knife to cut open a mouth, drew a face and VOILA! a homemade stress relief ball! She had some beads with letters on them that we was to use kiddo chopsticks to pick them up and put them into the ball's mouth. He couldn't do both, so they took turns.
We got to go into the large gym to play the game of SIT, JUMP or KICK. Turbo got to hang on a trapeze (hand strengthenin) while I rolled a large ball while giving a command. He had to think while trying to hang one, strengthen his core and develop his balance and vision. He loved the game a lot! After that hard work, he did his astronaut practice (vision practice). He complained after a bit that he was tired and that his eyes hurt but that is great news as he is beginning to process things! Just to embed the thought of number touches, we played Whack-A-Mole again. Then she introduced us to a new game by Cranium! It is Balloon Lagoon! What a great game! It tests a lot of skills, but it is just a fun game for the family and another opportunity for Turbo to lay on his belly in the prone position to strengthen his core, plus a game to add to our Family Night Stash!
**Of note: there are 2 videos that did not upload...grrr...will try to get them posted soon**
This morning, Turbo stated again that he did not want to go to the Star Center, because each time it makes him tired. GOOD! THAT IS GREAT NEWS! That means that he is internalizing what is happening! It is hard work, but this hard work will be helpful to our entire family in the long run.
Today, Turbo was Astro Boy. Ms. Renee set up targets on our "aliens", while Turbo swung in the swing. The posture: Prone. This helps with his posture so that when it is necessary to sit still or work on table top work for school, he has worked on those muscles to become stronger. This swing allowed him to spin and spin and spin (vestibular) all while encouraging him to use quick ocular movement to find the alien targets to shoot the Nerf gun bullets at. He did this for quite some time and enjoyed every minute of it. See for yourself.
At first, he wanted to straddle the swing, but quickly realized that it wasn't going to work with the task he was given.
Afterwards, it was off to the astronaut training room. Again, he spun on the board/disc and then had to follow the light with his eyes without moving his head. At first, he was doing really well. His line of moving sight was smooth and intact. But, then suddenly, he asked to stop because his body felt sick. We interpreted that he was dizzy. He should be from all that spinning in the Astro Boy game, and then turning around and spinning some more. YEAH! He not only was able to get dizzy, but to articulate that he was dizzy.
With this new revelation on the table, the plan had to be changed and quickly. They set up an obstacle course again for him to maneuver through and then into the ball pit. He did this a couple of times, but then somebody else asked if they could use the zip line and ball pit. That wasn't a problem, so we just moved on.
Our next games was MEMORY. Remember that game? Yet, this game was MEMORY with a twist. He was to straddle a tube while Ms. Renee held on to him and quickly flashed him a memory card. He was to then find the match while leaning over. This helped with is trunk strength as he reached over to grab the match.
Then, he layed inside the tube but had to roll back and forth while seeing the card that she flashed and then continuing to roll to the other side of the mat to retrieve the match. This worked on vestibular, proprioceptive and trunk/core strengthening.
When our session was complete, she gave him an I CAN chart specific to applying chap stick. If he can apply chap stick when asked for 10 times in a row, the he receives a prize. I'm sure he won't have any problem with this task seeing how a toy is involved. For some, a way to their heart is through their stomach...to get to Turbo's heart...toys. What are ya gonna do.
To wrap up our time together, Turbo watched a movie while Ms. Renee and I chatted. We began with our goals for Turbo and how those were coming along. He is progressing nicely, but there are some areas where we need some extra work on. I realize that these therapy sessions are taking 110% of my time (yeah, do the math), so implementing all of these strategies, or at least weeding out those that don't work for our family, will come later. I get frustrated that they don't work instantly, but her job isn't to FIX Turbo but to fill up our toolbox to help him. This is going to be an evolving task.
On situation in specific is his TV watching time. Although he watching and listens the TV, he doesn't SIT and watch the TV. He is usually bouncing off the furniture, the walls, spinning in circles, jumping off the bar, dancing or mimicking what he sees on the shows or constantly touching Tank (poor guy). She convinced me that he may be the type of boy that needs to move while watching TV. Although I don't like the idea, I can agree with her.
Recommendations: 1.) Make a fidget basket that holds many tools for him to use while watching TV. His TheraBand, weighted frog, chewie, puddy, blanket, etc. Things that he can use to move or fidget with that will help to dissolve the desire to move FAST (RED).
2.) Provide him an exercise ball to sit and lightly bounce on. (We used this before, but he would toss it around the house. Now that Tank is older, he may want to play with it to. I can see MANY potential problems, but we may try it later).
3.) I thought of this one: Have him watch his shows in his tent to drown out competing visual/audio stimulation while using our portable DVD player.
We also talked a lot about his posture and ability to sit still. Although he may desperately want to sit still, he really, really struggles with it. She suggested taping a few phonebooks together (why did I just have to throw mine out the other day?) to provide him a foot rest. Because when his feet are dangling and have the ability to kick, his balance it thrown off and his attention is diverted to something else on the table or in the room that takes him mind off of the task at hand: eating or schoolwork. She also suggested getting a wedge for him to sit on while at the table. It provides enough cushion for him to sit on while still providing the proper support for him to sit at the table, all while being able to move/fidget as needed. This combined with a TheraBand strapped to the legs of the chair, (this is so he can "punt" while eating and kicking his legs, but provides deep pressure input) allows success for him to sit still long enough to complete whatever it is at the table that is needing to be completed.
Beginning with self-care, we applied chapstick for our Dinosaur Protection as we were going on a Dino-Safari. He used a strategy of dabbing his lips on his shirt after the chapstick was fully applied instead of wiping it off full. YEAH! PROGRESS!
We entered into the realm of the dinosaurs and climbed onto our Land Rover equipped with our stun guns! His Land Rover was a swing that he had to stradle which worked on his posture and balance. Crossing mid-line, we had to use a NERF gun to shoot suction darts at dinosarus that were drawn on the window. Unfortunately, the guns weren't working that well, but it was good to see how he would react. Usually, he would throw it, and get upset, calling it "STUPID", etc. But he didn't. He kept trying different methods to try to get it to work. It did a couple of times, but it didn't keep his attention long enough.
Off to the quiet room to work on his Vision Program. He did the same thing that he has done in the past, but this time, we turned off the lights. He relies so much visually on where his body is in space and time, that she wanted to see how he would react: He fell off the board. Good to know. Must mean that we need to work on the Vision Program more!
He then tackled his Jedi Knight training again. Although this time, she stepped him up to the third level because he desires a challenge. He did good, but I had to remind him that, "PRACTICE MAKES BETTER!" - because of his perfectionistic tendencies...insert mommy guilt here.
To do a GREEN/BLUE activity, we went into the small gym to talk about his VOLCANO. She equated it to his RED ALERT or his anger.
She had him draw a picture of what he may be feeling at each stage, he did this as his climbed the rainbow.
Yesterday was our half way marker! It was a pretty typical day in our activities. He played in the helicopter swing We discussed how that for some kids, swinging and spinning disorganizes some kids, but that it seems to help calm and setting Turbo. That being said, I can now understand why he spins like he does. He has found something that soothes him, but drives me CRAZY!! (I'm the adult, I'm the adult!) So for pretty much the majority of our hour-long session, he spun around and grabbed beanbags while trying to throw them to knock down frogs on a log (or aliens as they have now known to become).
During our discussion, she approached me with something that I still haven't chewed full on yet. She suggested that we look into some type of gifted program. At once she could see my hesitation, and continued to explain. Turbo is a bright kiddo, but there seems to be a lot more going on inside his head that even he cannot fully explain. She reassured me that she wasn't talking about reading/writing at an 8th grade level at 5-years-old, but that he is gifted in the WAY he thinks. She called him a gifted thinker. OK, I can see that.
Common Characteristics of Gifted While it is rare for a gifted child to exhibit all characteristics, it is common for a gifted child to manifest many of the following:
Good at problem-solving Learns rapidly Extensive vocabulary Good memory Longer attention span Compassion for others Perfectionism High degree of energy Prefers older companions Wide or narrow range of interests Unusual sense of humor Early or avid reader Insatiable curiosity & persistence Intense concentration May question authority Advanced sense of conscience May demonstrate intense emotional and/or physical sensitivity Exhibits creativity Ability with puzzles, #s Perceives abstract ideas Sees relationships
Here is what I found to help me differentiate the two:
BRIGHT KIDS and GIFTED KIDS. A Bright Child....(B) A gifted child....(G)
(B) Knows the answer (G) Asks the questions - sometimes deep probing questions of an abstract nature.
(B) Is interested. (G) Is highly curious
(B) Is attentive (G) Is mentally and physically involved
(B) Has good ideas (G) Has wild, silly ideas
(B) Works hard (G) Plays around, yet tests well
(B) Answers the questions (G) Discusses in detail, elaborates
(B) Top Group (G) Beyond the group
(B) Listens with interest (G) Shows strong feelings and opinions
(B) Learns with ease (G) Already knows
(B) 6-8 repetitions for mastery (G) 1-2 repetitions for mastery
(B) Understands ideas (G) Constructs abstractions
(B) Enjoys peers (G) Prefers adults or older children or seeks out other very bright or gifted peers.
(B) Grasps the meaning (G) Draws inferences and opens up new questions.
(B) Completes assignments (G) Initiates projects
(B) Is receptive (G) Is intense
(B) Copies accurately (G) Creates a new design
(B) Enjoys school (G) Enjoys learning - but may hate school.
(B) Absorbs information. (G) Manipulates information
(B) Technician (G) Inventor - Loves construction toys
(B) Good Memorizer (G) Good guesser - draws on vast information store.
(B) Is alert (G) Is keenly observant - seems to remember fine details.
(B) Is pleased with own learning (G) Is highly self-critical - can be a perfectionist to the point of tantrums when young.
(B) Enjoys straight-forward and/or sequential presentation (G) Thrives on complexity - needs the whole picture. Requires a gestalt approach.
**GESTALT APPROACH**a structure, configuration, or pattern of physical, biological, or psychological phenomena so integrated as to constitute a functional unit with properties not derivable by summation of its parts
Afterwards, we continued his Vision Therapy which is coming along, but we would like to see it further. Guess I am going to have to work on that at home too.
He played the ZOOM BALL and climbed the rock wall, then we settled for a game of rhythmic activity.
This activity helped him focus on a moving object (Vision Therapy) while having his body moving (sitting on the ball), and being able to cross mid-line. Since he didn't crawl very much as a baby, his mid-line crossing isn't the greatest - which somehow connects with the brain and allows...yada yada yada - my brain was mush by then.
Today was all about making a plan. Making a plan so that when things go wrong (and we pin pointed those specific situations) we will already have a plan in place. We also talked a lot about feelings, and about RED ALERTS!
We started off with some more self-care practice. Turbo is getting better, but still struggles with the thought of getting his hands messy. To help him along, his task was to clean off lizards in the sink. Using some foam that doesn't smell like shaving cream, definitely a must for this practice, he covered the lizards in the tub. Next, we was to clean them off with his hands and some water. His first words, "No thank you. I don't want to get my hands messy", which was expected. It was great how he responded with words and not with a fit of frustration. So Ms. Renee offered him a squirt bottle filled with water instead. He was agreeable with it, and proceeded to clean off the lizards. Which was good anyway because the squeezing motion will only help strengthen his hands.
We moved on into the large gym and the zip line. When he climbed the tower, he and Ms. Renee wrote a story/plan how specific situations where he feels frustrated, aka: RED ALERT! I mentioned before how torn Turbo is when he has an "owie" with a Band-Aide and his need for being clean (take a bath/shower). Last night it happened again. Although this time, he did get into the shower and then realized that he had an owie and immediately needed to get out. Before, we would have fought him and kept him in there, but with our task of trying to rewire specific situations that cause him stress, we said ok, and helped him out of the shower.
What they were doing was devising a plan on what to do when "THAT" situation comes up again (which it will, obviously). His plan is to put a plastic bag with tape over his owie and get into the water. That way it won't get wet. (much like you do when you have a cast). He seemed up for it, but we won't know if during his panic state of mind, will it work or not. We will have to see.
His code word is RED ALERT! It is something he can say when he feels himself going into panic mode, or whatever it is that happens. Sometimes a 5-year-old can't express what is wrong, he just knows something is wrong. So easy words like, RED ALERT, can be used to tell us that something is wrong, and for us to help him through it. I'm excited to use this, but I have already had the opportunity to use it, but I forgot about it! It hasn't even been 3 hours since the session! (next time...next time...)
Once finished with his story, he used the zip line to crash into the ball pit where he was to find plastic lizards. Again, he was to use just his touch and not his eyes. To help block out visual stimulation of the large gym and other people in it, she covered the pit with a blanket while he searched for the lizards. This helped tremendously. Not only was visual distractions blocked out, but it was dark and he was FORCED to use his hands and not his eyes.
I thought about the tents that we have at home that are the bane of my existence and wondered how I could incorporate them into our daily life. One area of struggle is when he is watching a movie or TV. Too much is going on in our house for him to just sit and watch. We have a portable DVD player, so maybe if I were to isolate him in his room, in his tent, with a blanket over it, might he be able to focus on the show and not become distracted. Mental note...(yeah, we know how that goes)...
Next, we played a bit of zoom ball, and climbed the rainbow in the small gym. Just some strategies to bring him down to a BLUE or GREEN level. Afterwards, she had him balance on a core strengthener while playing Simon Says. Then she drug him down the hall on a bag to get his shoes.
Last week, the Star Center ran out of chewies for people to buy. Turbo was very upset and desperately wanted one. The weekend was here, and he was stressed about not having a chewie since he had learned that using a chewie helps him to calm down. When he got home, and through some encouragement from a Nana, he found himself is own chewie until one could be purchased.
BUT TODAY, the new shipment of chewies came in and we were able to purchase one. We also purchased a lanyard for him to string his chewie on so that he can wear it around his neck. He has a tendency to put things down and forget where he put it, so the lanyard was more for my sanity than for him...HEE HEE.
I also bought Tank one, because I tell ya, these are probably the best teething toys money can buy! They are GREAT! Maybe then, Tank can begin sleeping through the night if we can just get those teeth to come in!
This morning before therapy and during school, it was a nightmare. Thinking that things can get better at therapy, I prayed all the way to the Star Center. Turbo was so disorganized and antsy that when I tried to implement any strategies learned, I was met with opposition, anger and even a few fists being throw. Ahhh...back to square one. I suppose it is to be expected. These last couple of weeks have been tough on our whole family.
Once we got there, a good amount of time was spent on just trying to get Turbo's engine down to GREEN! She took him into the small gym and tried to get him self-regulated/organized. She had him jump on the small exercise trampoline, while chewing on and chewie toy, and wearing his headphones.
Afterwards, they played in the Rainbow on the wall. Lycra sheets tied onto the wall to create a tier of hammocks. They sang a song while he climbed the tiers and had to assemble and jack-o-lantern while crawling from end to end. Those two things didn't help him any.
To continue the process of trying to get his engine slowed, we pulled out Handwriting Without Tears and worked on some writing. No, I have not ordered this yet. It is my "TO DO LIST" at number 76/out of 100. I'll get to it...I promise.
That didn't work either.
Ms. Renee didn't stop and didn't get frustrated...I think I need some of that patience. She pulled out a tube that can be extended and shortened, but Turbo decided to blow into it and yell/scream. Which was a good thing, because she turned it into a game. It helped a lot more than the other activities, but by that time, most of our time was up and he hadn't even looked at the book yet to decide what it was that they were going to do today.
Finally, we left the small gym and when into a craft room where they made a Star Chart. This Star Chart is covered in "I CAN" statements. Each time, Turbo does something that he says, "I CAN" in a particular situation, he gets a star bead to put on the ribbon. We started out that he realized that using a chewie toy is something that will totally work for him. So we wrote it out and put a bead on the ribbon.
Something she recommended was getting a small backpack that is filled with resources that he can use to help him self-regulate. Things such as a heavy ball, chewie toy, gum, TheraBand, slinky, etc. They sell one for $35 at the Star Center, but I bet I can come up with my own by shopping at the ARC or GoodWill. Put that on my list at number 101.
Therapy was later in the morning today, so we finally had some time to do some schoolwork. It has been forever since we did anything, so I figured, lets have some fun and maybe implement some therapy activities. Not to my surprise, did school go 1,000 times better than we have ever had before!
We started out by making the letter "O", both lower case and upper case. Then he stamped smiley faces on them, much like the letter "O", a smiley face has an "O" shape. Then I had him color the "O"s using a vibrating crayon holder. He liked it a lot. I did notice that when he used the marker to trace the lines, that he held it in his fist rather than in a pincher grasp. Evidence of hand fatigue when he writes.
Then we set up a relay race of shorts. I placed the cut out "O"s at one end of the room, and then had a bowl full of Cheerios on the other end of the room. He had to run back and forth between the two to glue on the Cheerios. It took some time, but completed the activity and without complaint!
Afterwards, we had some Cheerios in the bowl left over, so I decided to work on some math. We glued the remaining on the paper, practiced using our best GUESSTIMATE on how many were left, then we numbered them so he could practice writing his letters. As you can see, this is where I lost him. He decided that he didn't want to write anymore, so I had to finish. I am pretty sure I messed up when I showed him how to correctly write the number 4 and then again the number 6. I should have just let him move on without saying a word. AHHH...live and learn.
Something to work on more on, writing from top to bottom. He is sequentially out of order when he writes as he constantly wants to write from bottom to top and every which way. Comes with time and practice.
We finished up snuggling on the couch reading some books. Not to much in the way of school, but we did fit some it! YEAH!
I also rescheduled our therapy sessions so that we can go later in the day. It works much better for Tank in that he gets a nap in the morning, and now Turbo and I get some school and quality time in together. Ahhh...much, much, much better!
OT was after MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) today. Of course, it was near lunchtime, and Turbo was off the charts in activity. HA! Now Ms. Renee can see exactly what I am dealing with starting at 5:30 am! SHEESH!
When we got there, I could see in her face that she was surprised and probably taken aback since most everytime he is active, but definitely not this active: antsy would be a better word. We got back to the "kitchen" to work on self-care again. This time, he sat on square board swing with a large innertube on it. Don't ask the reason, cause I didn't ask. Today's beauty candidate: a lizard - because yes, lizards need beauty treatments too.
It started out with Turbo using a little bit of lotion to put on the lizards face and belly. Immediately, he wiped it off of his hands using his pants and the carpet. SURPRISE?! After some encouragement that maybe if he rubbed his hands together really hard and fast that he would make the lotion warm and eventually rub it off. He did, and he actually really liked doing it. Next up, chapstick on the lizard...seriously...do they even have lips? Moving on. He put it on the lizard, and then me. I kissed a miorror, the lizard kissed a mirror and then when it was his turn, Turbo applied the chapstick, kissed the mirror and then used the back of his shirt sleeve to wipe it off. End of session.
While we were talking and preparing for the next activity, Turbo's engine got SUPER RED and SUPER FAST...as it always does when I am trying to hold a conversation...be it with myself or another person. We went over ways to help him calm himself while waiting:
1) Hug yourself really tight 2) Press your hands together 3) Blow out your candles (Hold up 5 fingers and slowly blow out the candles while putting each individual finger down) 4) Give mom and hard high five push 5) Sit Criss-Cross-Applesauce and press your knees to the floor 6) Using a tennis ball that has a slit in it - squeeze it (homemade stress reliever ball) or put pennies in it
These are just some of the tools that I have been given to help him, all work really well, but it is a matter of practice that will really show proof in the "puddin" as they say.
Have you ever met Mr. Beans? (not the actor) but the sock puppet? We bought a weighted frog that seriously weighs 5 pounds, and some days it is a really good tool. Some days it is just too heavy for Turbo. So we made a tube-sock puppet that is filled with dried beans (hence the name). This is much lighter for Turbo to use at times during transition periods and it is much more flexible than the frog - both have useful purposes.
Zoom Ball. You can't find these anymore, except for online, but it is great for gross motor skills and the development of sequential activities (the latter in which Turbo is lacking in). It helps because in order to get the ball back, he has to bring his arms together and bring the string down to the ground to let gravity work. Then when he gets the ball to send it back, he has to open his arms very wide and with force while standing up. He also receives that deep pressure feeling when the ball strikes his handles hard.
Afterwards, we moved on the Vision Program activities. Unfortunately, Turbo's eye movement muscles that allows his eyes to move slow (ability to read) is impaired and we need to exercise these muscles to help him. Ms. Renee also wanted to see how he does in a faster pace environment to see how well he does with finding his place while moving.
She set up the "peanut-shaped" ball and had him sit on it while reading directional arrows on the mirror. (she used window markers by Crayola - those will be in stockings this year!) Then while moving the ball a bit and with Turbo moving the ball a bit, he was to move his body in the direction the arrows were pointing. The purpose: Help him to read from left to right and then once at the end, jump down to the next line and begin again going from left to right. He did an amazing job here. His vision movement is great at a fast pace...HuH...hudda thunk? ;)
Then it was off to a little room for some slow pace vision therapy. She had him sit on the board while she spun him around 10 times. He was to look down (or center, really). Then he was to follow an object around with his eyes only and not move his head. Then she had him lie down again on his side, spun him around and had him track an object while lying down. After awhile, he wanted to stop because he was getting really dizzy! YEAH!!! YEAH!!! YEAH!!! That is a good thing because that means that some things are working and connecting in his brain that spinning excessively is not a good thing! He is beginning to feel that being dizzy isn't such a great thing! WHOO HOO! Although this was a break through, he still has trouble tracking an object smoothly and being able to go right to it rather than searching everywhere for it. It will come with time.
Our last activity for the day was for Turbo to come up with something on his own. He chose these squeaker "mushrooms" - if you will - for his activity. He decided to make a path so that he could walk the path and make them squeak. Good sequential activity for him to follow. I tell you one thing...those squeaker toys will NEVER make it into my house...NEVER....
Part of Turbo's OT treatment includes "Making A Plan". As I blogged before, Ms. Renee has a giant book binder that is filled with pages that has Velcro-ed pictures of different toys/activities available! Each session, Turbo is to look through the book and choose an activity to do or really to play on. It is referred to as "THE PLAN".
To implement the same kind of idea in our home, I tried various things and nothing worked:
1) Dry erase board - Turbo would erase the plan and draw on the board or Tank would try to eat it, and the plan would be lost anyways. (Scratch that idea)
2) Created a daily schedule on paper - too much paper, can't afford this plan to continue if the plan kept changing hourly for Turbo. (SCRATCH!)
3) Created a calendar for Turbo to look at - Really it was like telling him to read another language, he would look at me and walk away. (DOUBLE SCRATCH!)
4) POCKET CHART! YES! I used pocket charts all the time and I had one! Looking at it...Looking at it...Looking at it...YEP...GOT AN IDEA!!! (SCRATCH!!!!!! What was I thinking?)
Finally, I gave myself a good swift kick in the pants and a smack on the forehead - you know those types of DUH! moments!- and decided to do our "PLAN" the same way Ms. Renee does.
I made a WORD document and made a sequential order to our day. Looking back, I probably should have gone from left to right instead of top to bottom, but hey, I had a great plan - I didn't say it was brilliant!
Then I scoured the World Wide Web for images that fit our lives: Library, Grocery Story, Playgroups, Parks, School, Meal times, etc. I laminated everything, added Velcro to the back, and put a sticky Velcro strip on our fridge for Turbo to look through to make is plan and VOILA! My very own book of "THINGS TO DO"....but it is on the fridge instead...
Friday was Pirate Adventure Day in OT. To begin with, Ms. Renee had him swing from a rope to land onto the pirate boat. Although, I am pretty sure that this was not a part of her plan, Turbo's impulsivity paid off and served a good purpose. Later, she told me that having him jumping and swinging was a good way to set things off. First off, he received the proprioceptive input by bouncing, vestibular input by swinging and then worked on his hand strength by holding onto the rope which will help improve his handwriting.
As his boat (actually a swing) floated near him, he was to commandeer the vessel and climb aboard to hunt for pirate's treasure. This was another way for him to have fun with lotion (or cream as he refers to it). She had placed a number of lotion tins around the swing and he was to open them and fish out the gold coins. At first, he wasn't too keen on the idea of putting his hands in the cream as they would get messy. But the idea of getting treasure was too strong and he overcame his desire to be clean and not messy. While he was doing thing, she was swinging the swing slowly to help calm him down after swinging on the rope.
Keeping with the pirate theme, she created an obstacle course for him to go through to save the animals in the ball pit from the evil pirates who kidnapped them from the zoo. Using his pirate's lens, he was to spot the animals (really just an eye exercise), overcome the obstacles in his way, dive into the ball pit and rescue animals and bring them back to his ship. He had a great time, but of course, you can see all of the Sensory elements coming into play.
To help with Tactile Differentiation (Semantic agnosia: Those with this form of agnosia are effectively 'object blind' until they use non-visual sensory systems to recognise the object. For example, feeling, tapping, smelling, rocking or flicking the object, may trigger realisation of its semantics or meaning - Turbo struggles with this. Because he is so visual, he is very dependent upon looking at something to find it, see it or identify what it is, rather than using other senses to identify it), Ms. Renee asked him to dive into the balls (again a lot of proprioceptive and vestibular feedback/input) to find the animals. This way, he would use only his sense of touch to find the animals.
After that, she introduced him to the rock climbing wall. This proves to be a calming activity, almost a GREEN (Just Right) activity because of the feedback Turbo gets on his joints or the deep pressure. This has the potential for Turbo to be a RED activity, but with constant redirection and supervision, it can be GREEN. The idea was for him to climb up to find hidden animals to rescue, and then climb back down. This also encourages him to look before he moves, which helps with impulsivity, as well as to devise a plan for his next step.
To help bring him down to a BLUE activity for the ride home, she gave him a weighted lap pillow/blanket and had him wear a weighted vest while blowing bubbles. Breathing exercises help calm him, while wearing weights provides deep pressure.
She told me that there is an older lady who volunteers her time and sewing abilities who makes these vests for kiddos for specific weight amounts and fabric choice for $25. But looking at it, I think I can sew one myself...ehem...I mean...show the picture to a friend who is a seamstress and buy the material myself. For those of you who really know me...my sewing machine and myself DO NOT PLAY NICELY TOGETHER!
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