I think the same thing all the time..I see so many negative about ABA but I wonder what is supposed to be done, if my child was this severe (I do not have a child on the spectrum) but if my child was this severe I would think I would do ABA ...I mean can you imagine if Abby had no ABA? She is/was so wild with it, can you imagine without? I want to know the same thing, what to do just let a child be ? I genuinely want to know and want to be educated
Agreed, this is one thing I never see addressed. Both of my kids are autistic. My eldest has a lot of sensory issues- we couldnt go outside, much less to a store with him. We also struggled a lot with getting him to wear clothes and esp shoes. He didnt walk until 2 because of sensory issues in his feet.
This was before he was diagnosed. His legs below the knees were almost completely atrophied. By myself, I massaged and bicycled his legs, and slowly worked on his feet too. According to older autistic people, I guess I should have let him knee walk the rest of his life? Never take him into a store?
I have heard people tell me to just never bring my kids into the store if I know it bothers them. I always ask them, who will shop for my kids when I'm either dead or too old or maybe have dementia?? Food delivery isnt always affordable or available. I need to teach my kids how to be in a store and eventually, how to actually shop and budget. If I dont, I am leaving them to potentially be financially abused.
My eldest used to cry because he couldnt go play with other kids. Play areas were always too chaotic and loud. I guess I should have let him just stay on the outside in stead of teaching him ways to self manage (by taking breaks, etc)
I really, really believe that ABA is a life saver. My three year old now has simple commands and can tell me when he is hurt or hungry. He used to scream ALL THE TIME. A lot like abbie. He would hit and bite. I always knew it was from frustration.
With my 3yo, who was 2 at the time, I told the therapist that verbal communication wasnt necessarily the goal. I did teach him a few signs, but he had a hard time with them. I also realized that most people dont know sign language, so I thought it would be more helpful if he had either pictures to use (picture exchange communication system, aka PECS) and we could eventually move up to something like an iPad.
I guess I should have let him scream it out??? How about the fact that the screaming really upsets/ triggers his older brother? Does one autistic need outweigh anothers?
Both my kids would bang their heads against walls/ floors when really upset. I dont believe in stopping stims normally, unless it hurts themselves or someone else. These had to be stopped and I gave them squishy balls, fidgets, and allow them to jump on the bed. But apparently I should have let them beat their brains out, i guess.
The 3yo also likes to gag himself on occasion. Guess i should let that happen too, as he enjoys the sensation to the point he will vomit. What about how he chews on metal and rocks?? Leave that too??
What about teeth brushing? I have never wanted to restrain my children, but I did have to hold them down for this. I cant just let their teeth rot out??
Anyway, if I sound mad, it's not at you. I have often wondered this same thing. All the therapy happens in my house, I tell them not to promote eye contact and food isnt allowed as either a reward or for them to be denied food or drink. Also no suppressing stims (unless harmful).
Parents have A LOT of say in ABA, at least here (NB, Canada). Most of the time the therapist will come in assuming you want your child to appear "typical". Many parents do, and I think that *is* harmful.
