Remember the first time?

I'm in the process of starting up a Jewish "Sunday" school for kids with ASD. This will be a partnership between my Synagogue, Beth Emeth, and a great ASD therapy center, Puzzle Pieces. More on this another time.

While meeting with the Rabbi and Director of Puzzle Pieces, the Director related the story about the first time(s) she met J. She said "The first time I met J he was the most charming and sweetest little boy you could imagine. The second time he was stark naked in the corner throwing his shoes at me." 

I assured both of them that J does that less often now.

Can't argue with that

J and S were sitting on (opposite ends of ) the couch watching TV. Out of no where, J gets up, walks over to S and punches him in the head.

After dealing with the situation, we ask J why he did it. He said he wanted to watch TV alone, and if he punched S, then S wouldn't like him anymore and would not want to watch TV with him. And it worked.

The logic is sound, but I can't help but wonder if there is an easier way to achieve the same result.

Best day of camp, ever!

Overall, J had a solid first week at the new camp. Some hitting, he broke a mug (sort of by accident), but he did most of the activites and generally enjoyed it.

But today, was something special. I picked him up at the end of the day and he ran to me with a big hug, beaming from ear to ear telling me how it was a perfect day- PERFECT. The counselor filled in the details. No hitting, bad language, anger or aggression of any sort. He participated in every activity. Played ball with other kids at recess. And even are some of his lunch (I think combined for the whole school year, he ate less than the equivalent of 1 sandwich).

What a great way to end the week!

New Camp

J starts a new camp this week - a social skills camp from kids with ASD.

J really enjoyed the last camp, but he spent the entire day sitting with his 1-1 worker, colouring. And even then, he ended up hitting kids or counselors more days than not. It was a great camp, but it really highlighted that he needs more direct teaching of social skills - so this new camp is perfect.

It's funny how I can tell withing 10 seconds of meeting a counselors, teacher, babysitter... if they'll work for J. It's the tone of voice, energy level, how they say hello to him. Can't pin point it, but it's so clear to me if someone "gets" aspergers or not. These people clearly do!

Of course, J tested them a bit today, there was a bit of hitting and swearing - but it as par for the course for them. They handled it perfectly, and despite the behaviour, they got him to participate in just about every activity.

I think this camp will work out well.