Mutterings Of A Mindless Mommy

I have previously mentioned Alexander’s issues with rigidity - it is a common theme among children and adults on the autism spectrum.  His play therapist has us gently challenging him when we feel the situation is right.  As always Monday is occupational therapy day for him - his therapist is Ms. Sheila and she is wonderful!  As they were going to go into the small room for the infinity walk (he doesn’t like me watching) he was insistent that she get two of the red cones to walk between.  I started to suggest he take one red and one of another color but stopped myself; he hasn’t been the most willing participant in the infinity walk and now was not the time for me to challenge him.  Sheila kind of looked at me quizically and I told her that we are supposed to gently challenge him to help with his rigidity issues.

Fast forward a few minutes - he completed the infinity walk and out he comes with a smile on his face.  Sheila asked him to pick up the remainder of the cones from the obstacle course and partway through he said “what number was I on?”  He has a major number obsession and I quickly told him that he didn’t need to count but Sheila being the wonderful person she is started to engage Alexander in conversation.  “How was your day Alex?  Pick up the cones.”  Alex would start counting the cones in his hand and Sheila would ask him a question sometimes putting her hand gently under his chin to get his attention “Alex, I’m asking you a question.”  She’d then ask a more specific question and he’d stop counting the cones and answer.  She’d remind him to continue to pick up the cones while she kept asking him questions.  He’d pause to answer and then quickly count the cones in his hands.  They kept this back and forth up until he had picked up all the cones which he promptly counted. 

The next activity was for him to stand on a bosu ball while they tossed a weighted ball back and forth.  A few tosses in he said “what number are we on?” and she said “oh we aren’t counting, we’re just having fun.”  He paused for a minute and said “Oh yeah, just fun, I don’t have to count.”

 Not only does Sheila know her stuff with regards to OT, she knows her kids and can incorporate so many things into his therapy.  She took our 30 second conversation about challenging him and immediately incorporated it, naturally, into his therapy.  I am so thankful that we found her!