Module 4: Modulation
Jake does demonstrate some sensory overload, or modulation, with going to the mall or toy store. His mother often requires him to hold her hand. Jake does not like this control and tries to break free and will run without direction or without fear of getting hurt (sidewalks, open parking lots, etc.). At the end of each tx session, Jake is provided a lollipop after he puts on his coat. He is then walked to the waiting room where healways persists on mom to let go of his hand. If he breaks free he runs aimlessly. IF she does not let him free, he drops like a noodle to the floor and has an tantrum. We are working on this behavior, still trying to discover the stimulus causing the reaction. I am thinking of the lights, or some other object in the waiting room. We do have a "holiday tree" that he seems to be drawn towards...hmm
puzzles
Hey, Chris,
ReplyDeletefor leaving the session, is it at all related to not wanting to leave OT b/c you helped him be regulated and participate?
I have been talking w/ some attachment (as in "are you attached to your mother") folks recently about the potential attachment & control issues in kids/families with autism...
Do you sense a disconnect between parent and child?
Amy
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteIf you think, as Amy suggested, that he does not want to leave OT because you helped to regulate hime, I wonder if it may help with the transition if Jake wore a backpact with a little weight in it. I also wonder if a picture schedule would help him anticipate the change. I was also wondering if he was resistive to the tactile input of having his hand held. I know a lot of people do not like "leashes" (for lack of a better word) but maybe that would help?? Ill be interested to know how you make out! Meg
Hi Chris, I was thinking along the same lines with Meg, in that I was wondering if there are tactile issues and that the holding of the hand is too much. I see this sometimes in classrooms when classroom assistants try to give hand over hand assistance, by physically holding the hand, pulling, etc., and if you "guide" them by their forearm, sometimes the reponse is totally different....so in that thinking, is there a way she can "guide him" versus taking hold of his hand speciffically....Also, interesting point Amy had on the disconnect with the parent....or, perhaps there is something he is actually anticipating, such as going to a busier environment, etc. where he remembers he won't be as "together" as what he is when with you....joan
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