Ashleigh's Update

I wanted to give an update on Ashleigh.  Her behavior has not gotten any better.  She started to rip books again.

If you want background information that I blogged about, check out these 2 links:

SP

Changes

For Ashleigh to get into this wrap around program, it takes a lot of time.  This is what we have done so far:

1. Evaluation with a psychologist  - Without him saying yes, nothing else can happen.

2. A Meeting with to talk about the psychologist recommendations. This is called an ISPT meeting.  

3. A Meeting with the company that provides the service within our home.  (First we needed to pick one & we went with the one we dealt with before)- Intake process, which is A LOT of paperwork.

4. We have the MT, & BSC in our home.  We had a TSS, but we are waiting on the new one because the other TSS can not do after school hours.

What is a BCS, TSS, & MT?

BSC (Behavioral Specialist Consultant)- works with us to develop a treatment plan.  She consults with us, but not with Ashleigh.  She can go into Ash's classroom at school.  

TSS (Therapeutic Staff Support)- works with Ashleigh by following the treatment plan.  We can go into the community.

MT (Mobile Therapist)- counsels the family as well as Ashleigh. 

I started to read this book called 
"Positive Discipline for Children with Special Needs: Raising and Teaching All Children to Become Resilient, Responsible, and Respectful

by Jane Nelsen, Steven Foster, Arlene Raphael

This is a library e-book that I got from one of the 2 libraries here that offer e-books.  (If you have a larger library in your area & have a Nook, why not get a library card.)  I am learning a lot.  A lot of what I am reading makes sense.  

3R's of Recovery

1. Recognize

2. Reconcile

3. Resolve

4 R's of Punishment

1. Resentment

2. Revenge

3. Rebellion

4. Retreat, in form of sneakiness.

Positive Time Out- is a space where it is a positive time to be there, not negative.  The child will name the area.  You ask "Would it help to go to the ---?"  You can also ask if they want you to go with them.  You can show pictures of feelings, positive time out, and a relaxed or calm place.  

"While focusing intently on the many details of daily caregiving and supportive activities for your child with special needs, it can be difficult to refocus the lens in order to look at the bigger picture and imagine your child in the years ahead."

This sentence above from the book stopped me in my track.  I have a difficult time thinking of Ashleigh's future.  Will she be able to drive a car?  Live on her own?  Will she be able to go to college?  This books says "to envision valuable characteristics and life skills for your child" which "can form significant landmarks toward which you can direct your energy and attention."  With this, I can believe in my daughter's ability to make progress toward these "landmarks." 

There are a lot of Positive Discipline Tools, which I still need to go through.  When I say a lot, I mean a lot.


Ashleigh started school on Monday.  Her new school.  A few weeks ago, she had her open house.  It turned out that she knows 6 kids!  Yep, 6.  2 of her old school & 4 from camp!  This made me relax a little bit.  Ash is still with the boy, who she has loved since Kindergarten.  I am grateful this boy is still with her.  I was hoping he would not, but she is familiar with him, & comfortable.  Next week Ash starts horseback riding on Wednesday & then swimming starts on Sept 12.  Ash catches her bus at 6:30a.  That is A LOT earlier than the previous years, which was 8a.  We are still getting used to these early morning.  My husband has been helping a lot with getting the kids to school.  Noah gets his bus at 8:36a.  The last 2 years Noah went to school with Ashleigh.  His new school is closer to home now.  He is not on the bus that long.


Before I go, I wanted to share 1 thing:

I have been following this little boy, AJ, who has cancer, for I think over a year now.  AJ has inspired a lot of people to be giving.  Right now he is doing a penny drive.  His mom, Ann, is asking us to post this on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Their Facebook page is here.


Until Next time, 
Melissa