The positive side of The Boy's recent run of extremely violent behaviour has been an influx of professional input to assist him. This has mainly consisted of an entirely new body of health professionals, none of whom I can praise highly enough. Their contributions, although late, may well help "rescue" The Boy, and mean that he doesn't get lost in the system, which is a big fear of mine.
The down side is that I have to drag myself along to meet new people, though this has not been a trial with the new set as all have been extremely positive about The Boy which has instantly endeared them to me.
Today, I met with The Boy's speech and language therapist (SLT).
SLT's play a huge role in helping autistic children, especially those with behavioural problems. The poor behaviour generally stems because they either do not understand what they are doing, or they cannot express themselves.
We know, for example, that a lot of The Boy's "acting out" is because he can't express himself. Finally, the management within his school is also coming round to the idea that he isn't naughty though volition, it is because of his autism.
Whilst speaking with the SLT today, I am told that The Boy's comprehension skills are those of an 8-9 year old. His reading skills match those of an average 11 year old. His ability to express himself falls significantly lower than this, averaging at the 3-4 year old mark.
Now that this has been established, the lightbulbs are starting to click on for those within his school. They can finally see that it isn't insolence, it isn't a child that is naughty, rather a young disabled lad who cannot express his frustration at other's inability to understand him, thus he reacts in a way that warrants attention and questioning.
He can't say what wants as he literally does not have the expressive language to do so, nor the skill to construct the sentence, but he can provoke adults into questioning him until we hit the jackpot for the reasoning behind his behaviour. Which shows exactly how clever the wee sausage is.
A huge weight has been lifted for me. Finally, what I have been maintaining for the longest time is being recognised - he's not naughty, he's got autism.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
5 comments:
That's wonderful news! I'm so glad that the Boy is now getting the help he needs. Once the professionals swing into action, it really feels like you've turned a corner.
It's great that school is getting the message too. Could be the beginnings of a new partnership where you're both singing from the same hymn sheet!
When they start to realise his potential, it makes all the battles worthwhile.
I always knew he was smart, but I am blown away by how smart he actually is. And proud, obviously.
Fanblimintastic. Best news in ages.
Fantastic hun!
I think autistic kids focus on the bits they CAN do - like the reading - and this really helps. Alex, like Con, is highly intelligent in many areas. He is 4 years ahead in his reading, 2 yrs ahead in his maths, and he has finally developed a sense of humor too - helped by those horrid henry books that I personally detest. However, his writing is some 4 yrs behind and he still has no sense of personal space or stranger danger and will always want things done 'his' way or throw tantrums. It does sound like Con is a lot like Alex (who has been diagnosed as high end autistic). I know, like me, you've actively encouraged his strengths (despite school trying to tell me not to in Alex's case) as well as helping with the weaknesses. You are doing a great job and never forget that! Lets hope the school finally helps him to also focus on the bits he can do as well as the bits he cannot do so well
It's always the intelligent kids that struggle most with structured, adult society, and who can blame them? Why should we fit into someone else's idea of who we 'should' be? So glad you've found some people to understand and help free your Boy's life up, by helping him cope with our social nonsense ;o)
Post a Comment