How I changed noncompliant behaviours in my son

How I changed noncompliant behaviours in my son

Advaith was diagnosed with ADHD, Autism and SPD. He was rejected by most famous early intervention centres because of his noncompliant behaviour and hyperactivity. He would cry loudly to escape from activities, was very restless and displayed severe sensory processing dysfunctions. From there I started my journey with my dear Addu.

I met some experienced therapists and started working with him as a co-therapist. They explained to me that most of these kids have a high a level of anxiety and a structured environment will help them calm down. Dr. Preeja suggested that we enrol him into Bubbles Centre for Autism, where they follow a structured teaching method. Sarbani ma’am and her team welcomed Addu to Bubbles. He continued his screaming, crying and noncompliance. I then decided to pursue a Special Education course and did my practicals at Bubbles. At that time, I was learning about structured teaching method and how it helps kids to reduce anxiety. Simultaneously, I understood the importance of communication skills. Addu was 4 years old and he was nonverbal.

 He was so hyperactive that he was unable to sit even for a minute and was crying continuously during sessions. He did not look at pictures and hence we opted for object schedule with him. In the beginning he was not able to understand the concept of schedule and would cry incessantly, if he noticed any change in pattern.

Then I decided to work on sensory integration, special education, speech therapy and physical activities. We shifted to an apartment where there was a swimming pool, cycling path and open space for other physical activities. Also, I underwent programs and classes with Sensory integration therapists to address his sensory needs. We enrolled him into Horse riding, that he started enjoying quickly. He was seeking vestibular, proprioceptive and tactile inputs and was getting these three inputs from horse riding. On weekends we persisted with horse riding, apart from swimming with his dad and brother. Initially he would cry while entering the pool but over time he got accustomed to it. Then he started enjoying his swimming too.

We also started cycling.

http://smrithyrajesh.blogspot.com/2018/01/how-we-taught-cycling-for-advaith.html

Swimming Video: 

Thus, apart from sending him to school from 9’o clock to 1’o clock, we ensured that we planned a busy schedule for him in the evenings as well.

We noticed that  his hyper activity reduced, he developed better focus and attention and was ready to sit and learn. Then we moved to picture schedule.

This way I started using visual schedule for structuring his days and for all activities.

This way I started using visual schedules for building independent skills.

http://smrithyrajesh.blogspot.com/2017/10/how-to-arrange-independent-session.html

Avaz is his communication tool and so I used Avaz for his schedules

http://smrithyrajesh.blogspot.com/2017/11/creating-schedules-using-avaz.html

I started using visual schedules for structuring his days. My husband, my elder son Adi (who is 3.5 years older than Addu) and I sat together and worked on a proper plan for Addu. We were all clear about our roles and started working together for Addu with lots of love.

On completion of his physical activities, I would sit with Addu, as his focus and attention would be better at that time. I gave him a lot of encouragement and reinforcement when he cooperated with us. I was using a positive approach and gave him lots of verbal praise too.

I was arranging a structured classroom for Addu. So, he was clear about the beginning and end of the session, when he will get the reinforcement and what activities he would do. Simultaneously, we were working on his communication skills too.

http://smrithyrajesh.blogspot.com/2017/05/how-i-developed-communication-skills-in.html

Physical activities and SI activities were followed diligently and consistently and he started learning cycling, scooty and swimming. Then we introduced Basketball dribbling and shooting. While introducing a new activity, he would cry a lot and refuse to cooperate. We introduced visual schedule for those activities and did them consistently. Then slowly he started cooperating. I was breaking down each goal into simple steps and giving him regular practice. This really helped him to achieve those skills and he started enjoying all those activities. He stopped crying during sessions too. On seeing remarkable progress in him, we started sharing videos and thoughts with other parents.

My YouTube Channel :  https://www.youtube.com/user/smrithy123

Then we introduced skating and that was a great decision. He showed great interest in skating and was always moving on skates. Also, we took him to participate in various competitions and he entered Special Olympics. He won two gold medals and one silver medal for skating and now he is continuing skating with professional classes. He is the only special need child in the group.

He was struggling to write, when he completed 8 years. So, I introduced typing. Initially it was hard, but we achieved it with consistent practice. These are the steps:

http://smrithyrajesh.blogspot.com/2017/12/how-i-taught-my-son-to-type-explained.html

http://smrithyrajesh.blogspot.com/2018/06/independent-typingdata-entry-present.html

We are continuing and moving to the next level. We introduced badminton too.

http://smrithyrajesh.blogspot.com/2017/10/teaching-badminton.html

Then jewellery making, stitching – we worked a lot on his self-help skills step by step.  We tried to ensure that he is involved in all daily life activities.

http://smrithyrajesh.blogspot.com/2018/05/how-i-developed-fine-motor-skills-that.html

Now I will share his daily schedule.

Monday to Friday
9 to 3	In School, Bubbles
3.30 to 4	Wash hands, dress change
4:00	Eating rice
4.30	Relaxing time
5:00	Computer skill training program
5:30	BasketBall
6:00	Snacks and jewellery making or stitching
6:30	Teacher time with Amma
7:30	Cycling or skating
8:00	Rest
8:15	Bath and dressing
8:30	Typing activities
9:00	Floor time activities, independent activities
9:30	Dinner
10:00	Bed Time
Saturday and Sunday
Morning he goes for horse riding, then music class, after that other activities like jewellery making, packing, shopping groceries, buying dresses and jewellery accessories, eating from restaurants, visiting malls and other places, swimming, play gym and skating classes.

We have come a long way with this formula.

Structure, physical activities, addressing sensory needs, building communication skills and consistent practice helped Advaith (Addus) to improve in all areas of learning.

At present Addu is able to follow instructions and rules with minimal help to complete all his tasks. He is following his schedule and able to communicate for indicating his preferences.

This is the journey of a child who was in the severe end of the spectrum and ADHD. Now he is not hyperactive, and we are moving forward step by step.

My FB Page:   https://www.facebook.com/My-Special-Journey-With-Advaith-2341671472525221/

Addus FB Page:  https://www.facebook.com/Addus-Little-Creations-201298383744598/