Timmy's Triumph
Yesterday I had the best session I've ever had with a little boy I've been working with since December, the same month of his second birthday. When I first met him and his family, I was informed that he had ear tubes surgically placed during the fall of 2008. Up until that time, mom felt that her son probably wasn't hearing at all although the family didn't realize it at the time.
Timmy (name has been changed) is the youngest of three children and mom openly admits that he often "gets away with murder"! He's adorable, funny and extremely animated. He's also very fast moving, feisty and fiercely independent. Thus, presents my challenge!
Tim's language skills are strong. He is what we call a "speech-only" kiddo, meaning that speech, specifically articulation, is his only area of delay. Despite his inquisitive nature and bold personality, Tim has tremendous difficulty following adult direction simply because he doesn't want to. Tim wants what he wants when he wants it, if you know what I mean. Tim loves to be in control and prefers to be the king of his castle all the time. Mom knows it, so does dad and I encounter this head-on for one hour every week.
Recently, however, we have seen a change.
Yesterday, we were using Play Doh, a Timmy favorite. He was VERY focused on using the "cutter" to slice the doh into a million little pieces. Instead of visually redirecting him, like I often do to gain his attention, I asked Timmy, "What are you doing?"
The response was silence.
I decided to ask again only this time I asked, "Are you cutting French Fries?"
With his head down and cutter moving at lightening speed, Timmy said "No, hot dog" (pronounced "ha gog").
I then responded with an excited laugh, "A hot dog?!" I understood him!!
He stopped, looked at me with an enormous smile and said, "Yeah!"
A minute or so later I asked, "What are you making NOW?"
The response I heard was "Cookie" (pronounced "cookcu").
I excitedly said, "A cookie?!!" and once again, Timmy's big eyes looked at me filled with a mix of relief and joy and replied back, "YEAH!"
Our session continued on for another 20 minutes or so without struggle. We had bonded. Tim's demeanor relaxed. He willingly participated in another activity and worked hard to try sounds and words that he often resists. At the end of the session Mom and I made a point of celebrating Tim's success with verbal praise, smiles and a big High-5! Timmy looked so proud and mom and I are both looking forward to next week with a sense of hope and renewed possibility.
Yesterday's session was a beautiful example of how difficult behavior will often diminish when a child feels understood.