Single Moms Raising Autistic Sons


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Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Change Is Inevitible and ABA Welcome

Griffin just got over some kind of stomach flu that has been going around the area and boy was it vicious. He was sick with vomiting for several days and it was all we could do to keep him hydrated but he is better now and back to his happy camper self again. He has been hanging out with Nana (my Mom) and having a ball and still talking up a storm. I have decided that I should just trust Griffin's new teacher and her methods even though they are new and strange to me. I have spoken with a key person who thinks that the new classroom and the ABA will be good for him, this person knows Griffin very well and I trust her opinion. So maybe I just need to open up my mind and see how it works, I really don't think that Griffin is being abused in this new classroom so why not give it a try? I truly think that it could actually be beneficial for him. If necessary I will request another I.E.P. meeting and have things changed around. I think that part of my concern was that Griffin was being over disciplined for his behavior and now since speaking to this individual I believe that it's not the case at all. After speaking in detail again to Griffin's new teacher I feel more at ease with what she is planning to do with him and with the ABA method. I guess that I also need to do some research on ABA and become more familiar with it and that way I will be much less afraid of it. For all these years Griffin has been taught through the TEACCH method and it has worked so wonderfully for him and I was afraid that changing would not be good for him but now I have opened up my mind and realized that he is growing and with that growth comes progress which is in turn a product of change. Griffin is unusual in that he doesn't seem to mind change at all unlike so many individuals with autism who prefer sameness. He does well with the lack of structure and routine but I guess that the structure of ABA will still do him some good. It is good that he can adapt to the change of the new environment, people, and classroom but as it was pointed out to me, he is going to try and push some buttons to see how far he can go with his new teachers so it only makes sense that there are methods in place that help him and them to deal with his behaviors and to keep them in check so they don't get out of hand. I don't want my child to be out of control at this age and most certainly not at any age especially as he grows older and larger. Here's hoping that it all goes well and that this strange and new situation grows on me and helps Griffin to grow up.

10 comments:

Mamaroo said...

I also have a hard time with change, but have learned that it is for the best most times. I hope it all works out in Griffin's new school. ABA is a wonderful way of teaching through positive reinforcement.

Sarah said...

I am happy that you are finding your peace with Griffin’s new school. I don’t know all that much about ABA or TEACH but I hope that they offer Griffin the best they have to offer!

KC's Blog said...

We are always behind you 100 percent Lora. As long as Griffin continues to be his happy camper self, all is probably well. You are doing a terrific job with Griffin and you are open minded and willing to try new approaches with Griffin. That is what I call an excellent Mama. I have always admired you for your honesty and loyalty to Griffin but most of all, your open mindedness! You are wonderful Lora, keep us posted, Love ya both!
Is open mindedness a word? He he I don't know but well you know what I mean.

KC's Blog said...

We are always behind you 100 percent Lora. As long as Griffin continues to be his happy camper self, all is probably well. You are doing a terrific job with Griffin and you are open minded and willing to try new approaches with Griffin. That is what I call an excellent Mama. I have always admired you for your honesty and loyalty to Griffin but most of all, your open mindedness! You are wonderful Lora, keep us posted, Love ya both!
Is open mindedness a word? He he I don't know but well you know what I mean.

mysamiam said...

Oh, I hope Griffin is feeling better! I HATE it when my boys get stomach flu. So not fun. Glad to hear you are trusting your teacher more. I think you will be happy with ABA. I wish we had it provided for Sam actually, as insurance doesn't pay for it and we can't afford. I am proud of how you and Griffin are doing adjusting to your move. Keep it up!!!!

JodiTucker said...

Hi Lora, Just catching up on the blogworld here.....Glad to know Griffin is talking more and adjusting to the new surroundings, teachers, methods, etc. You are a good mom!!!!

Anonymous said...

i am SO SORRY griffin was sick! i hate the throwing up flu. UGH! so scary.

good luck with the new school for griffin! i'm glad you're feeling better about it.

speechmom said...

Hello, I am a speech language pathologist and a mom. I have seen the good and not so good ABA. I would look into it before you jump in. I have seen some children loose their personalities almost "giving in". If I could make a suggestion it would be to try and keep his speech-language therapy more child directed. ABA tends to teach what they want a child to say or do. The child directed approach believes that all children communicate- this ability is within them (gestures, expressions and/or words). Look for it and reinforce it positively. Dont be afraid to ask questions or make suggestions. If you want to talk you can visit my site speechmom.blogspot.com Best of luck and let me know how it is going.

mommyguilt said...

Hey darlin'

Change is always hard to accept, look at how hard it is for our children on the spectrum. It's ok to be worried, or even afraid of change, especially if what you're changing FROM was such a wonderful thing. But I think you're on the right track. Ask if you can be a silent observer one day to find out how it works in the classroom, and, more importantly, to see how Griffin works with it!

You're such an awesome mom!

Gina said...

You have such a healthy attitude. One thing I've learned through our experience with Luke is that you truly do have to be open minded about what is out there. Sounds like you are. : )