MANDS = 14
Whitney during the am:

Parker and I worked with Tony for the first hour of therapy. He was happy to see both of us. We kicked off our morning with the usual Wiggles show. He has some pretty cool new dance moves as a result too! After his show was over and he had eaten, Tony decided it was time to get down to business. We worked on intraverbals to start with. He’s doing really well with “Your name is Tony.” Parker and I usually have to momentarily take away a desired object in order to get him to pay attention. Tony remains patient when we do this because he knows if he makes an effort, he’ll get the item back. We also worked on teaching “wait.” Tony manded for “turtle” and “cup.” Parker told Tony that he needed to wait with me while she got them. He sat in my lap and we counted on our fingers until Parker returned (about 4 seconds later). Later on, he manded for crayons (a more powerful reinforcer almost). He whined at first when we told him he had to wait, but after I sat him in my lap and we counted he calmed down. He was heavily reinforced with the crayons and the verbal praise Parker and I gave him for waiting.

Jay, I wanted to ask you about the potty learning situation. Many times, Tony refuses to get on the potty. He says “No”, tries to leave, or says “all done” immediately. I think it may be necessary to change our teaching procedures. Maybe add a powerful reinforcer to pair with the potty? What do you think about giving him crayons while he’s on the potty? Write back when you get a second. Thanks!

Parker pm:

Well, while Whitney was cleaning Tony and I worked on receptives and motor imitation. We used cards today and he answered (physically, not vocally of course) correctly for the most part when he answered at all. Some of the time, however, he was just not receptive! (ha ha!) The motor imitation we accomplished was spread out throughout the day. Many of these he did in only one try.

Tony got the green Play-Dough out and we played with it on the table. Sometimes when he goes for something like crayons, paint, or Play-Dough which are mobile activities I ask him whether he wants to use it on the floor or the table and let him have the choice. He picked the table. He handed me different size blobs and asked me to make balls out of them and I got him to mand ‘roll ball’ with one of these creations.

Surprise…it’s me the sporadic post girl! I feel like we’ve all been chatting a lot lately, so you know what we’ve been working on. The latest has been the “I want _____”, which has taken off in a matter of days. I have been using the gestural cues for “I” to prompt Tony, and using verbal cues only when necessary. Today we began working a little more formally on “yes” responses. Again, using gestural cues first and a phonemic “y” verbal cue when needed. The yes questions that we worked on today were in relation to objects needed to complete different play activities…do you want the pole? do you want the chicken? I think it would be good to use strongly preferred items (cup/turtle) and more aversive items (I don’t know of anything that he really dislikes) to help solidify this concept. Let me know what you think! See you guys tomorrow!

The incredible Tony! Our little one has now been awake (and happily for the most part) for eleven and a half hours! WOW! Right now Whitney is helping him eat bananas. Yes, he is actually eating fruit! The first time for this was Saturday at Andre Boucher’s dessert party. Another new thing Tony is doing is also doing is using a fork. Not every time he eats, but he is using the fork quite well. Yeah for Tony’s new eating accomplishments!!

We have a new rule due to some ugly spills Tony’s had lately resulting in boo-boo’s. The new rule: no running except in grass. Actually, there is also an amendment to an old rule; now Tony must hold hands with someone when he walks on the sidewalk. Today we had a close call right after hearing the new rules. Tony took off running down the sidewalk, Whitney and I took off, scrambling, sprinting and even leaping to catch him before he got to the raised crack which has been the scene of many an accident. Success!

While in his room and on his first walk Tony made it through most of phase I. Whitney did receptives using objects on the table. She had a ball, a car, and a plastic elephant. Tony indicated the correct answers in almost every instance. It was easy to see that Tony was tiring of the receptive drills. I guess it is not the cards after all. Tony did a good job with the material.

Whitney’s part:
I just thought that I would give a little update on the weekend happenings for Tony. On Saturday, as Parker mentioned, Tony became interested in all the edibles on the table. He noticed the banana pieces and started saying “nana.” I gave him the ‘nana’ and he held it in his hand for awhile. I think he was getting used to the slimy texture. After running around a few more times with it, I took a piece and put it in my mouth to show him. He thought it was funny so I took the other half and held it close to his mouth. He opened his mouth and I popped it in. A few chews later, Tony was all about the nana. At first Tony only wanted me to feed him the banana. I used hand over hand and he started eating on his own! How great is that?

Other updates include Tony using his fork by himself this weekend. He used it to eat his chicken that he likes so much. This is very exciting since this is the first time he has had any interest in using the utensils. Great job OT Brittany and great job Tony!!

Mands: 14

Hot, hot, hot – that’s the way we have it. Today’s weather was excruciating, and we only have more of this heat to look forward to. I smell some frequent visits to the pool in the near future . . . if only the neighborhood would just open it up for business!

Whitney, Tony, and I braved the heat twice; once for a walk and once for an order of sidewalk chalk with a hearty helping of study time. When we embarked for our walk Marlaina told Whitney and I that J-I-L-L could be expected in a matter of about half an hour. Luckily I was already holding the boy when we went outside because again he got a bad case of car ride fever at the sight of the blue Subaru. I whisked him out of sight of the car and before he got upset about it I was able to get his attention switched to the pretty pink and yellow flower his Mommy painted on the back of the bus. WHEW!!! After we talked about the bus for a split second, we moved on to the rest of the walk. I put him down when we got to the courtyard and we all had a swimming time with stop/ go and near/ far. We also went over to some square shaped stepping stones Tony is fond of and he had a great time pouncing on each one while he counted them out loud.

While we were playing he suddenly made an all too familiar mand, actually now the two seperate entities have merged into one to create . . . a monster! (just kidding!) Really, to create his new double mand: “turtlecup.” I guess it only makes sense, since he almost always desires both at the same time. Well, Whitney told him turtle and cup were in the house and we would have to venture home to get them. On our way home we saw Jill. Whitney and I saw her before Tony and W. prompted him to say ‘who’ which he did nicely. I observed and took notes during Jill and Tony’s session in an attempt to gain some new knowledge and tricks to put up my sleeve. It was very helpful. Jill (obviously) does a fabulous job – she really knows what she’s doing – yeah Jill! Thank you.

Tony was sucessful with at least half of the ABA phase II that Whitney or I tried. There are many questions involving the cards and it is easy to see that Tony is ‘all done’ with them before all the questions have been posed. We will try mixing in other objects to represent our house, bird, cat, water, and play-dough. Tony’s happiness is the number one priority.

Mands: 20

Alright, a better day for our little Tony today! We played in his room with the house and Alphabet floor puzzle when I first arrived. When we went back in the living room to retrieve turtle and cup he noticed that one of his favorite shows, “The Wiggles” was on. He was excited and interested, so we stayed and watched. He usually does watch this show, so it didn’t throw us off schedule or anything — he just headed for his room earlier this time. We have slightly changed the schedule (by 15 minutes and a switch of people.) He is doing fine with the earlier time.

In today’s episode of the Wiggles there were children (the little Wiggles) running back and forth in a room. Tony mimicked this action. The show has alot of dancing and singing, and you are supposed to do what the characters do. Soon they were dancing again, and Tony tried that too.

We played in his room with some more toys and tried some intraverbals. Tony wasn’t very into them, but he wasn’t getting upset about it or trying to escape the activity. I got him to respond to some of them echoically and it was slightly saddening since he definitely knows some of the things and he wasn’t answering. Oh well, at least he wasn’t negative. We painted again and he did a good job with “I want ______(color.)” Again he manded for green, orange, and purple and again I dipped his fingers in the necessary primary colors and helped him mix them on the paper. Once he gets blue, red, yellow, purple, orange, and green on the paper he is “all done” and he says “bye-bye yellow” and so on. Today I had him put one of the paint jars away on the windowsill and say ‘windowsill’ echoically. He certainly tried.

Before long it was time for a walk. Tony manded ‘walk,’ ‘over,’ ‘shoes,’ and ‘open door.’ We had a nice walk. His favorite part was when he was swinging in the hammock and I tickled his feet and tummy. After the walk we went back in the room for a little while and did some receptives while we played with some legos. I tried slipping in an intraverbal we hadn’t gotten to earlier and it backfired . . . “We watch a _____ show” gave him a sudden yearning to actually watch one, so we did. Then he manded for ‘car ride’ and we were able to reinforce.

After the car ride he ate some french fries that his Dad made and drank some juice. We went into his room and tried some more ABA. Today and yesterday we have been much more (ABA) productive in the afternoon. Now he is taking a nap to get ready for Britney.

Today I’m also blogging for yesterday’s happenings. Yesterday (Monday) was rainy and completely bleh in the morning. When I got to Ton’ys house he was still asleep! This is out of sorts, but I think it was due to the lovely weather. When he woke up, his Mom went upstairs to get him.

He was insistent upon a car ride, so we went to Lowes to decide what Marlaina wanted to use her Mothers’ Day gift certificate for. She also was checking if there were any big fridges in the clearance aisle. Tony had a nice trip.

(Tuesday) Mands: 14

When I first creaked the door open this morning, Tony exclaimed “WHITNEY!!!!!!!!!” Nice try Tony, but it’s Parker this time. We watched TV for a couple minutes, and then he wanted the door to be opened. He communicated his desire very clearly and effectively with a well enunciated “open door,” and he was immediately reinforced with exactly what he asked for and some verbal praise.

Once we were inside his room he started looking around for something to play with. First he walked over to the table and grabbed an orange crayon and said ‘oyeenge.’ Then he sarted coloring on his laminated “Blue’s Clues” placemat type thing. As he was coloring he was saying the names of different shapes. I wondered why he was saying these words while I found some paper for him to color on. I looked at the placemat and realized he was tacting all of the things he was seeing.

He said “hi haint,” and I couldn’t figure out what he meant. Once he pointed to the fingerpaints resting on the windowsill it was clear: he wanted to paint again. We painted yesterday and he had fun. I already had some paper out because I’d retrieved it for coloring purposes. When he decided what color he wanted, I prompted him echoically to say “I want (yellow, or other colors.)” He did very well with this. I also did the signs, which Jill showed me yesterday. Thanks Jill!

We had a walk today and for the most part it was fun. When we rounded the corner he saw his Mom gardening and we went over to check it out. Tony wanted a car ride, but I knew Jill would be around in a few minutes and a car ride just wasn’t possible at the time. He said ‘car ride’ and then ‘open door’ it seemed like he was looking at the house’s door, so I walked torward it and he started screaming no and making loud crying noises. Anton and Marlaina were trying to do things, so I was unsure as to what to do. I know you’re not supposed to pick the child up, but I did , and although the screaming grew louder at first, once we were over in the corridor between the buildings I put him down and then I started to ignore the tantrum. I picked up some leaves and checked them out, then I gave a running commentary on a bird that happened to be flying around. Once he realized the tantrum wasn’t getting reinforced he quit and he was fine! After that, we had a great wallk!

In addition to being loud and distracting for Anton and Marlaina, the noises of Tony’s screaming and crying tantrums are heart-wrenching. Today I picked him up and removed him from the situation, then I ignored the bad behavior and it worked. I felt like a monster picking him up. Any more advice, Jay?

Then he had a great session with Jill. He manded for ‘car ride’ and this time we were able to take him. We went to Target and got him some new toys like the house ones he’s so fond of. When we got back from Target Tony watched some Blue’s Clues and ate some tater tots. Then he was ready to go into his room and do some ABA. He did such a good job with the form feature function receptives. I was very proud. Yeah Tony!

Today I’m also blogging for yesterday’s happenings. Yesterday (Monday) was rainy and completely bleh in the morning. When I got to Ton’ys house he was still asleep! This is out of sorts, but I think it was due to the lovely weather. When he woke up, his Mom went upstairs to get him.

He was insistent upon a car ride, so we went to Lowes to decide what Marlaina wanted to use her Mothers’ Day gift certificate for. She also was checking if there were any big fridges in the clearance aisle. Tony had a nice trip.

(Tuesday) Mands: 14

When I first creaked the door open this morning, Tony exclaimed “WHITNEY!!!!!!!!!” Nice try Tony, but it’s Parker this time. We watched TV for a couple minutes, and then he wanted the door to be opened. He communicated his desire very clearly and effectively with a well enunciated “open door,” and he was immediately reinforced with exactly what he asked for and some verbal praise.

Once we were inside his room he started looking around for something to play with. First he walked over to the table and grabbed an orange crayon and said ‘oyeenge.’ Then he sarted coloring on his laminated “Blue’s Clues” placemat type thing. As he was coloring he was saying the names of different shapes. I wondered why he was saying these words while I found some paper for him to color on. I looked at the placemat and realized he was tacting all of the things he was seeing.

He said “hi haint,” and I couldn’t figure out what he meant. Once he pointed to the fingerpaints resting on the windowsill it was clear: he wanted to paint again. We painted yesterday and he had fun. I already had some paper out because I’d retrieved it for coloring purposes. When he decided what color he wanted, I prompted him echoically to say “I want (yellow, or other colors.)” He did very well with this. I also did the signs, which Jill showed me yesterday. Thanks Jill!

We had a walk today and for the most part it was fun. When we rounded the corner he saw his Mom gardening and we went over to check it out. Tony wanted a car ride, but I knew Jill would be around in a few minutes and a car ride just wasn’t possible at the time. He said ‘car ride’ and then ‘open door’ it seemed like he was looking at the house’s door, so I walked torward it and he started screaming no and making loud crying noises. Anton and Marlaina were trying to do things, so I was unsure as to what to do. I know you’re not supposed to pick the child up, but I did , and although the screaming grew louder at first, once we were over in the corridor between the buildings I put him down and then I started to ignore the tantrum. I picked up some leaves and checked them out, then I gave a running commentary on a bird that happened to be flying around. Once he realized the tantrum wasn’t getting reinforced he quit and he was fine! After that, we had a great wallk!

In addition to being loud and distracting for Anton and Marlaina, the noises of Tony’s screaming and crying tantrums are heart-wrenching. Today I picked him up and removed him from the situation, then I ignored the bad behavior and it worked. I felt like a monster picking him up. Any more advice, Jay?

Then he had a great session with Jill. He manded for ‘car ride’ and this time we were able to take him. We went to Target and got him some new toys like the house ones he’s so fond of. When we got back from Target Tony watched some Blue’s Clues and ate some tater tots. Then he was ready to go into his room and do some ABA. He did such a good job with the form feature function receptives. I was very proud. Yeah Tony!

MANDS = 10
Tony had a good day today. Although his session was cut short due to a trip to Myrtle Beach, Tony remained more focused than he has the past few days. We didn’t get through all of the activities because of our short time, but Parker and I managed to hit every category in the book.

We worked in Tony’s playroom this morning with his new house that he loves. We played with the different rooms in the house and would ask Tony to “put Mommy to bed” and to “let the dog out the door.” He followed direction well. We also watched Tony place the family near windows, going in and out of the front doors, and making barking noises for the dog. Who ever said autistic kids don’t have imagination? I think Tony not only understands pretend play, but he also loves it. Parker and I labeled the family members as “Mommy” “Daddy” and “Sissy.” I believe that Tony thinks these little people are representations of his own family. He would open the door and have “Sissy” doll walk out and Tony would say “Hi Sissy.” Other choice moments during our house play was when we introduced Tony to the little potties. Tony took one and tried to sit in it! He didn’t fit exactly because the little potty is only about 1″ wide, but its clear the connection is there (at least he knows what to do on the potty!). Tony also brought over some of his leftover waffles when our play family was having breakfast at the table. He stacked the waffles on the table saying “Eat.” I truly get emotional watching him play like this!

When we took our walk, Tony wanted to swing on the hammock and walk around with his crayons. He completed all of the motor imitations we asked without protest and we reinforced him heavily with a stop/go game that Parker started. Tony said “Go” and Parker ran around until Tony said “Stop.” He loved being in control and clever Parker was tacting her prepositions as she ran “over the branch” “around the tree” and “under the swing.”

That’s all for today. A pretty good day considering it was so short. I’m happy to see Tony in a better mood too!

Today was a rough day for Tony. He was feeling pretty good at the start of the morning, but it was difficult getting him on task through most of the day. Marlaina brought out some new toys for us to introduce and he seemed very happy with these. We played with butterfly wings, water colors and a large alphabet floor puzzle. We worked on receptives, but Tony did not have the attention span today. He also refused to do any motor imitations (had a tantrum when I started with “do this”). We did have some luck getting through intraverbals as he played with the paints. I’m not sure if he is getting tired of some of the ABA tasks or if he still isn’t feeling well. Jay, I spoke with Marlaina about his behaviors over the past week and we thought that the TV in the room might be needed for more reinforcement.

Jill came with a guest this afternoon for speech. Tony was captivated by the blonde newcomer and seemed to have a fairly good session. Jill reported that he had more of a quiet session this time.

After Jill, we took Tony on a trip to Target to get him out and about. He loves his car rides so much! He had a good time while we shopped and he even picked out a new playhouse. Saying “House! House!” down the aisles. Marlaina finally found one and Parker also found a mini bathroom set, complete with a mini toilet. Because we are in the process of potty learning, it will be good to reinforce the idea of “pottying” through pretend play.

We also had a slight melt down at Target over crayons. After getting his house, Tony manded for crayons. The crayons were in the school supplies aisle far away from the toys. It took at least 2 minutes to find the crayons, but Tony did not understand we were on our way to get them. He started screaming and crying until we found them. I think that when Tony’s patience is wearing, it would be good to have him understand “wait.” Jay, what is your recommendation on teaching this? I think it would also help out when he mands for “car ride” and he needs to understand that he has to wait.

Jay, post when you get a chance. Thanks!!!

Today was a rough day for Tony. He was feeling pretty good at the start of the morning, but it was difficult getting him on task through most of the day. Marlaina brought out some new toys for us to introduce and he seemed very happy with these. We played with butterfly wings, water colors and a large alphabet floor puzzle. We worked on receptives, but Tony did not have the attention span today. He also refused to do any motor imitations (had a tantrum when I started with “do this”). We did have some luck getting through intraverbals as he played with the paints. I’m not sure if he is getting tired of some of the ABA tasks or if he still isn’t feeling well. Jay, I spoke with Marlaina about his behaviors over the past week and we thought that the TV in the room might be needed for more reinforcement.

Jill came with a guest this afternoon for speech. Tony was captivated by the blonde newcomer and seemed to have a fairly good session. Jill reported that he had more of a quiet session this time.

After Jill, we took Tony on a trip to Target to get him out and about. He loves his car rides so much! He had a good time while we shopped and he even picked out a new playhouse. Saying “House! House!” down the aisles. Marlaina finally found one and Parker also found a mini bathroom set, complete with a mini toilet. Because we are in the process of potty learning, it will be good to reinforce the idea of “pottying” through pretend play.

We also had a slight melt down at Target over crayons. After getting his house, Tony manded for crayons. The crayons were in the school supplies aisle far away from the toys. It took at least 2 minutes to find the crayons, but Tony did not understand we were on our way to get them. He started screaming and crying until we found them. I think that when Tony’s patience is wearing, it would be good to have him understand “wait.” Jay, what is your recommendation on teaching this? I think it would also help out when he mands for “car ride” and he needs to understand that he has to wait.

Jay, post when you get a chance. Thanks!!!