The other day after Mathias had a melt, I decided something needed to be done. I couldn't take another melt like this. So determined to find a solution I called an wrote friends of mine that have older Autistic kids. I got some pretty good ideals and even some ideals of what to do in the store. But it ultimatly comes down to with my kids and they don't tolerate change. My boys thrive on schedule and predictability and the only thing I can think of that would cause the melt is unpredictability. Another friend suggested the PEC system. Or basically a picture system. She gave me an ideal of how she did it and I took that ideal and altered it to fit our lives better. Carrying around a large story board wasn't going to be an option for me, I mean I can barely remember to carry around my water bottle so I drink enough water during the day much less a huge board. The thought of it was inconvenient, much less doing it. So I took the advice given and altered it to what fit me and my kids best. The solution: A tool belt!!! Yes I said it a tool belt, an Autistic tool belt, one that consists of photos of our day.
How does it work. I basically found an old belt I didn't care if it got ruined and put velcro on it. I already had velcro photos for a prior schedule ideal that I used and thus starts the tool belt. I wear it all day while the twins are awake. When there is any change in routine I show a photo of the upcoming change to help them adjust. I do this with any change all throughout the day.
Thus far it's working and as long as we don't get to crazy and venture way of track that I don't have photos for. Then they seem to do well. It's also encouraging speech and when I do it right, the boys are an absolute delight to be around. Something something so tiny can make a big difference.
