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The
first intervention we used was Behavior Modification.
Behavior
Modification consists of making a chart
of
the unwanted behaviors.
We
started monitoring behavior every 15 minutes.
When
unwanted behaviors had not occurred
a
star would be put on the chart.
The
next part or the program is the reward part.
You
need to reward the child
in
a way that will mean something to THEM.
If
they had a good day then they will be rewarded.
It
is real important that you are consistent!
You
MUST stick to it. It sometimes will not be easy.
If
you give in to the temper tantrum or what have you,
because
they didn't earn the reward
the
program will never work.
This
program was very successful for us.
Mary
Kay was quick to respond.
We
would then modify the chart to fit
new
unwanted behaviors.
Along
with extending the monitoring time.
We do
not implement the chart anymore.
After
awhile the positive behaviors will be
reinforced.
If you would like to see the charts
GO HERE.
The images are big so please
be patient.
Through
the help of our doctor I had to learn
to be
a different type of parent.
I think
we all mimic the way our parents raised us.
I was
raised that you did what your parents said
and that
was that.
This
is one of the most important things
I learned
from our doctor.
If the
situation or behavior isn't hurting anyone physically,
then
don't bother getting involved in a power struggle.
I will
give you an example.
Mary
Kay has a problem with colors.
She hated
to wear the color pink.
I had
the attitude that
"I have
to buy them so you will wear what I buy."
This
only caused major problems.
We were
always fighting over the colors of her clothes.
Then
she would tear them, with her teeth.
Beat
on them, whatever she could think of to destroy them.
I had
to swallow my pride
and just
get over the fact that I
was not
going to change her mind,
no matter
what I did or said.
I asked
Mary Kay what colors she would like to wear.
Her response
was "black, blue, gray, or white."
The reason,
they are storm colors.
She is
obsessed with thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Still
to this day those are the only colors I buy.
Made
my life and hers much happier.
Now when
a problem comes up,
I ask
myself, "is it really hurting anyone?"
If the
answer is no, then it is not worth the battle.
You will
NEVER
change the mind of a Asperger's person.
I even
showed her a picture of lighting that was pink.
No
good, still won't wear the color pink.
The Behavior
Modification can be implemented
to cover
a wide variety of situations and behaviors.
I
really wanted to share the story of the colors.
I
can't tell you how many hours
I
have wasted trying to change her mind.
