Wednesday, September 30, 2009
ADD?
I think a lot of people think that ADD or ADHD is a a Hyperactive disorder. but there is an "attention" component that was missing.
Check this link:
https://www.google.com/health/ref/Attention+deficit+hyperactivity+disorder+%28ADHD%29
To be diagnosed with ADHD, children should have at least 6 attention symptoms or 6 activity and impulsivity symptoms -- to a degree beyond what would be expected for children their age.
Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork - YES
Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play - YES
Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly - YES
Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace - YES
Difficulty organizing tasks and activities - YES
Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork) - YES!
Often loses toys, assignments, pencils, books, or tools needed for tasks or activities - YES!
Easily distracted - YES!
Often forgetful in daily activities - YES!
I see all these symptoms in Harry.
Apart from medication, these are also suggested:
Check this link:
https://www.google.com/health/ref/Attention+deficit+hyperactivity+disorder+%28ADHD%29
To be diagnosed with ADHD, children should have at least 6 attention symptoms or 6 activity and impulsivity symptoms -- to a degree beyond what would be expected for children their age.
Inattention symptoms:
I see all these symptoms in Harry.
Apart from medication, these are also suggested:
The following may also help:
- Limit distractions in the child's environment.
- Provide one-on-one instruction with the teacher.
- Make sure the child gets enough sleep.
- Make sure the child gets a healthy, varied diet, with plenty of fiber and basic nutrients.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Volunteering in Harry's Class - Day 1
Today was a wonderful 2hrs spent with Harry in his class environment. His teacher had mentioned that he was not very productive in the afternoons and was not focusing or producing work like his peers. I thought I would take the opportunity to go and take a look and to see if there was anything I could help with or learn about him. these were my findings.
The main thing I noticed today was the lack of attention he gave his teacher, not once did he look up and listen or look in her direction when she spoke. When she gave the directions to the class for the next activity they were to complete he was off in the clouds. He was fidgeting with a clip on his desk, the rest of the class was going on with what was asked (there were a few exceptions) it was like he had not even noticed that he was meant to be doing something. He needs some type of prompting or cuing to get him to sit up and pay attention.
He would slouch in his seat, usually with arms folded and head on the table. He would look around the room swinging his legs and would not be aware of what his table was doing, the class work he should be doing. The teacher asked his table to put there work away and come join her on the mat, he put the work under his desk and then just sat there looking around at the ceiling. While the rest of his table had been on the mat for a few mins already. He was not aware of what he should be doing. I intervened a few times with directing and showing him what the teacher has asked everyone to do. They had work on the over head projector which I sat with him and helped him complete. Without that one on one he would just sit there and look around the room with the work sheet in front of him, waiting to be worked on.
As a result of Harry's unawareness, he is missing out on getting tasks done, the sense of achieving at school, the reward of finishing a task and letting his table down for not showing he is ready by sitting there with work away and arms crossed. He misses the cues.
I also had the opportunity to meet with his reading tutor today Heather Cook, she is a wonderful resource teacher who will work with Harry one on one with his reading, letters, phonetics and writing skills. I believe 20mins every afternoon.
Tuesday afternoons will be his social group time for 1 hour. Yet to start, I think next week is the kick off for that. This will take place with Mrs Jones.
During Writing time, I sat with Harry and helped him through the process the teacher has put in place to get the kids journalling, thinking, drawing, writing. To this day all Harry had achieved was the drawing stage, but today, I sat with him and made it fun and achievable, helping him every step of the way, in the end he finished it and you should have seen the sense of accomplishment. In fact it is now 6pm and he is still talking about it. He could not wait to show his teacher, he put his hand up to get her attention, she came over. Harry could not contain himself, I finished it!!! He was so proud! She was beaming too, that is great Harry! what did you write about, can you tell me what it says? he shared it with her with a smile on his face.
He had a few hurdles along the way, one was the motivation to see it through to the end, he wanted to give up a number of times. Saying its too hard, I don't know how to do it. I eased him through one small step at a time, looked at a word rather than everything he had to write. I also made it exciting for him, by encouraging him to draw and write about something that he found fun over the weekend. Daddy cutting down a tree...cool!
This was a very rewarding time for both of us, we both learnt a lot about each other. I want to help him and see this as a great way of giving him something he needs.
Today was a wonderful 2hrs spent with Harry in his class environment. His teacher had mentioned that he was not very productive in the afternoons and was not focusing or producing work like his peers. I thought I would take the opportunity to go and take a look and to see if there was anything I could help with or learn about him. these were my findings.
The main thing I noticed today was the lack of attention he gave his teacher, not once did he look up and listen or look in her direction when she spoke. When she gave the directions to the class for the next activity they were to complete he was off in the clouds. He was fidgeting with a clip on his desk, the rest of the class was going on with what was asked (there were a few exceptions) it was like he had not even noticed that he was meant to be doing something. He needs some type of prompting or cuing to get him to sit up and pay attention.
He would slouch in his seat, usually with arms folded and head on the table. He would look around the room swinging his legs and would not be aware of what his table was doing, the class work he should be doing. The teacher asked his table to put there work away and come join her on the mat, he put the work under his desk and then just sat there looking around at the ceiling. While the rest of his table had been on the mat for a few mins already. He was not aware of what he should be doing. I intervened a few times with directing and showing him what the teacher has asked everyone to do. They had work on the over head projector which I sat with him and helped him complete. Without that one on one he would just sit there and look around the room with the work sheet in front of him, waiting to be worked on.
As a result of Harry's unawareness, he is missing out on getting tasks done, the sense of achieving at school, the reward of finishing a task and letting his table down for not showing he is ready by sitting there with work away and arms crossed. He misses the cues.
I also had the opportunity to meet with his reading tutor today Heather Cook, she is a wonderful resource teacher who will work with Harry one on one with his reading, letters, phonetics and writing skills. I believe 20mins every afternoon.
Tuesday afternoons will be his social group time for 1 hour. Yet to start, I think next week is the kick off for that. This will take place with Mrs Jones.
During Writing time, I sat with Harry and helped him through the process the teacher has put in place to get the kids journalling, thinking, drawing, writing. To this day all Harry had achieved was the drawing stage, but today, I sat with him and made it fun and achievable, helping him every step of the way, in the end he finished it and you should have seen the sense of accomplishment. In fact it is now 6pm and he is still talking about it. He could not wait to show his teacher, he put his hand up to get her attention, she came over. Harry could not contain himself, I finished it!!! He was so proud! She was beaming too, that is great Harry! what did you write about, can you tell me what it says? he shared it with her with a smile on his face.
He had a few hurdles along the way, one was the motivation to see it through to the end, he wanted to give up a number of times. Saying its too hard, I don't know how to do it. I eased him through one small step at a time, looked at a word rather than everything he had to write. I also made it exciting for him, by encouraging him to draw and write about something that he found fun over the weekend. Daddy cutting down a tree...cool!
This was a very rewarding time for both of us, we both learnt a lot about each other. I want to help him and see this as a great way of giving him something he needs.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Covering his ears.
I have noticed lately that sound seems to be bothering him a great deal.
We can not complete an activity without him commenting on a sound that is distracting him or the act of covering his ears with his hands. Its as if he can not filter out all the noise that is going on around him while he is trying to do work.
I try and think what he must be hearing, is it louder than what we hear it at? is it too much at once? all at the same level of loudness? What is the noise that he hates so much?
We have used the headphones a number of times lately and these seem to be doing the trick, if Thomas is annoying him ie, just being in the same room. He can put the headphones on and make it go away.
I have noticed lately that sound seems to be bothering him a great deal.
We can not complete an activity without him commenting on a sound that is distracting him or the act of covering his ears with his hands. Its as if he can not filter out all the noise that is going on around him while he is trying to do work.
I try and think what he must be hearing, is it louder than what we hear it at? is it too much at once? all at the same level of loudness? What is the noise that he hates so much?
We have used the headphones a number of times lately and these seem to be doing the trick, if Thomas is annoying him ie, just being in the same room. He can put the headphones on and make it go away.
Friday, September 25, 2009
So the Play therapist didn't work out!
I went in for an interview without Harry. It turns out she does not help special needs children? Which was kind of puzzling as Harry is not "labeled" as special Needs, just quirky! So not sure why normal happy children would go see her.
But anyway, it really sounded like a bunch of hooey! She would sit and play with the children in the corner of her small office. One small box of toys some coloring in books and Hi Ho cherio is what consisted of her play area. All she would do is observe and make factual comments based on what they are doing. Other than that no communication. Its a little strange if you ask me. But hey I'm not the professional here.
On a positive note I did tell her quite a bit about Harry and what we have been through so far on our quest for help. She was totally appalled by Children's for not having him tested further or at least seen by a Dr.
She was positive and very encouraging of me and the hardships a mom goes through, she herself has a son with ADD. So all in all, yes it was a waste of time for Harry and any progression there. But for me it was a very therapeutic session for me to keep me going on my quest!
One thing she did say was that because a Nurse Practitioner had refered Harry to be seen at Childrens, that that may be why we were seen by a ANP rather than a Dr. Very frustrating.
I went in for an interview without Harry. It turns out she does not help special needs children? Which was kind of puzzling as Harry is not "labeled" as special Needs, just quirky! So not sure why normal happy children would go see her.
But anyway, it really sounded like a bunch of hooey! She would sit and play with the children in the corner of her small office. One small box of toys some coloring in books and Hi Ho cherio is what consisted of her play area. All she would do is observe and make factual comments based on what they are doing. Other than that no communication. Its a little strange if you ask me. But hey I'm not the professional here.
On a positive note I did tell her quite a bit about Harry and what we have been through so far on our quest for help. She was totally appalled by Children's for not having him tested further or at least seen by a Dr.
She was positive and very encouraging of me and the hardships a mom goes through, she herself has a son with ADD. So all in all, yes it was a waste of time for Harry and any progression there. But for me it was a very therapeutic session for me to keep me going on my quest!
One thing she did say was that because a Nurse Practitioner had refered Harry to be seen at Childrens, that that may be why we were seen by a ANP rather than a Dr. Very frustrating.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Fight Tonight to get to TKD
Well, going to TKD was hard tonight.
Asked Harry to get ready for TKD at 4.35. We normally leave at 4.45 to get there. Instant panicked "No, no I dont want to go". Then I said well you can play for 5 minutes and then get ready.
When the 5 minutes were up we got increasingly steady opposition to going to TKD. "I dont wanmt to waste my day. I hate TKD." etc. He wanted to stay home and play with his Lego.
I eventually forced harry into his uniform, put him the car. As soon as he was seated in front of master chueng it all changed. He focus was better and he was happy when he was able to do the exercises. His reactions tonight to the focus exercise were actually good. This exercise he has to dodge a pool noodle swung at him from different directions. He did well at this. Big smiles and lots of encouragement from Daddy.
We then went to parent teacher night. Met his teacher and Resource teacher Mrs Brumley. Noticed harry like puzzles - he found one and had put together some of the pieces. He was using a try and see approach rather look at the puzzle picture to see what piece went where.
Dave
Asked Harry to get ready for TKD at 4.35. We normally leave at 4.45 to get there. Instant panicked "No, no I dont want to go". Then I said well you can play for 5 minutes and then get ready.
When the 5 minutes were up we got increasingly steady opposition to going to TKD. "I dont wanmt to waste my day. I hate TKD." etc. He wanted to stay home and play with his Lego.
I eventually forced harry into his uniform, put him the car. As soon as he was seated in front of master chueng it all changed. He focus was better and he was happy when he was able to do the exercises. His reactions tonight to the focus exercise were actually good. This exercise he has to dodge a pool noodle swung at him from different directions. He did well at this. Big smiles and lots of encouragement from Daddy.
We then went to parent teacher night. Met his teacher and Resource teacher Mrs Brumley. Noticed harry like puzzles - he found one and had put together some of the pieces. He was using a try and see approach rather look at the puzzle picture to see what piece went where.
Dave
Good morning!!
Well, I got Harry ready today.
He got up straight away and got dressed in his room. He was even proud of how he got up so fast. He ate his while bowl of cereal (fruit cheerios) and drank a full juice. I showed him his lunch and he was quite excited.
He put his two stuffed toys in his bag to sleep in the bag and stay with him. Off he went, very proud of his ability to get himself to the bus stop and get to school.
He was just as easy to get ready the day before. Two good days in a row.
His diet over the last few days has been great. He also got to sleep last night by 8.30pm. He had a story read to him and played a little while before hitting the sack.
I really seeing that having a consistent routine which includes a diet that he enjoys and will eat has made a big difference to his behaviour.
I have also made sure that when talking to him I am absolutely calm - almost stoic - when we discuss any inappropriate behavior. I know my getting upset with him verbally triggers withdrawal and he will rush to Julia. Trying so hard to not lose my patience or temper with him.
He got up straight away and got dressed in his room. He was even proud of how he got up so fast. He ate his while bowl of cereal (fruit cheerios) and drank a full juice. I showed him his lunch and he was quite excited.
He put his two stuffed toys in his bag to sleep in the bag and stay with him. Off he went, very proud of his ability to get himself to the bus stop and get to school.
He was just as easy to get ready the day before. Two good days in a row.
His diet over the last few days has been great. He also got to sleep last night by 8.30pm. He had a story read to him and played a little while before hitting the sack.
I really seeing that having a consistent routine which includes a diet that he enjoys and will eat has made a big difference to his behaviour.
I have also made sure that when talking to him I am absolutely calm - almost stoic - when we discuss any inappropriate behavior. I know my getting upset with him verbally triggers withdrawal and he will rush to Julia. Trying so hard to not lose my patience or temper with him.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Pretty Good day today
Harry was pretty happy when he came home today. Quite manic and overexcited. He was screaming how he loved school, wanted to give thomas lots of hugs and generally very happy.
He ate all of his dinner tonight:
- Bratwurst, Sweet Potato Fries, Broccoli and Carrots. And ice cream for finishing his dinner.
I think possibly seems two things contributed to this. He ate very well the previous day and at breakfast that morning. He also met his new therapist today at school, Miss Brumley, for an hour with her. It sounds like that went well.
Only trouble tonight was bathtime which he refused to do. I eventually carried him into the bath and out him straight in. After 15 minutes of trying to get him to wash himself I gave up and let him out.
He ate all of his dinner tonight:
- Bratwurst, Sweet Potato Fries, Broccoli and Carrots. And ice cream for finishing his dinner.
I think possibly seems two things contributed to this. He ate very well the previous day and at breakfast that morning. He also met his new therapist today at school, Miss Brumley, for an hour with her. It sounds like that went well.
Only trouble tonight was bathtime which he refused to do. I eventually carried him into the bath and out him straight in. After 15 minutes of trying to get him to wash himself I gave up and let him out.
Update: search for Social worker/Therapist!
I contacted several therapist/counselors today, hoping they could see Harry for Anxiety/behavior. I was really crossing my fingers we could get into to see someone and soon. It turns out that they are either booked up until next year or they are not accepting new clients. I contacted the one I had posted about the other day and she is not accepting new patients either....grrr!
So after about 20 phone calls and 20 voice mail boxes later, I finally started to get some call backs and the chance to speak with some therapists. I have Harry booked into see Margaret McCulloch next week, she is a child therapist who works with children through play. It will be interesting to see what comes from this.
It feels great that we are rolling forward again with some interventions, fills me with hope and optimism that we can do something!!!
Contact details:
Margaret McCulloch
425 277 5492
level 3 Evergreen bld Grady way
Renton
I contacted several therapist/counselors today, hoping they could see Harry for Anxiety/behavior. I was really crossing my fingers we could get into to see someone and soon. It turns out that they are either booked up until next year or they are not accepting new clients. I contacted the one I had posted about the other day and she is not accepting new patients either....grrr!
So after about 20 phone calls and 20 voice mail boxes later, I finally started to get some call backs and the chance to speak with some therapists. I have Harry booked into see Margaret McCulloch next week, she is a child therapist who works with children through play. It will be interesting to see what comes from this.
It feels great that we are rolling forward again with some interventions, fills me with hope and optimism that we can do something!!!
Contact details:
Margaret McCulloch
425 277 5492
level 3 Evergreen bld Grady way
Renton
Update, I really could be on here all day blogging!
So the headphones lasted a few mins, now Thomas is in his space. All Harry wants is to be left alone. He threatens with you are not going to be my friend. I don't want to play with you! Harry is out in the playroom in a shared space for him and his brother. I suggested that if he didn't want to be bothered by his brother that he move what he is playing into his own bedroom and close the door. He did not want that, he cried and said "I just want to be left alone"!
They are now out there playing quietly, lets see what happens.....
So the headphones lasted a few mins, now Thomas is in his space. All Harry wants is to be left alone. He threatens with you are not going to be my friend. I don't want to play with you! Harry is out in the playroom in a shared space for him and his brother. I suggested that if he didn't want to be bothered by his brother that he move what he is playing into his own bedroom and close the door. He did not want that, he cried and said "I just want to be left alone"!
They are now out there playing quietly, lets see what happens.....
One of Harry's biggest complaints is the noise! He hates it when others are in the same space as he is while he is trying to work. The smallest little noise will set him off into a screaming, frustrated spiral of uncontrollable emotion. So today while playing lego with his brother, this can up again. He could not stand the sound Thomas was making while rummaging through the lego bin. Thomas was not talking or doing anything that would possibly be perceived as annoying, but man did it send Harry over the edge, crying screaming, breaking toy, all because of this sound he wanted stopped.
I ended up explaining to him that he needs to try and work with other people in the same room and to see if he could somehow block out the sound or egnore it. I then asked him what he does in his classroom when the school kids make noise, he said he asks them to be quiet and tells them he is getting a headache!
So for now I have given him a pair of old broken headphones that cover the whole ear. Lets see if this helps?
Although I can understand, I work in the same room with Dave and I just asked him to stop tapping, I wonder what I was like as a kid?
I ended up explaining to him that he needs to try and work with other people in the same room and to see if he could somehow block out the sound or egnore it. I then asked him what he does in his classroom when the school kids make noise, he said he asks them to be quiet and tells them he is getting a headache!
So for now I have given him a pair of old broken headphones that cover the whole ear. Lets see if this helps?
Although I can understand, I work in the same room with Dave and I just asked him to stop tapping, I wonder what I was like as a kid?
IEP evaluator/educator
Harry's resource teacher for the year is Mrs. Brumley and I totally adore her! She called here this afternoon to update us on what Harry is doing and how he will be attending her classroom every day (except Fri) from 8:30-9:30am. This is going to help Harry with getting the one on one attention he needs. The focus will be on his academics and social needs, providing a social group once a week.
Contact info:
Julie Brumley
Resource Room Teacher
425 204 4189
julie.brumley@rentonschools.us
Harry's resource teacher for the year is Mrs. Brumley and I totally adore her! She called here this afternoon to update us on what Harry is doing and how he will be attending her classroom every day (except Fri) from 8:30-9:30am. This is going to help Harry with getting the one on one attention he needs. The focus will be on his academics and social needs, providing a social group once a week.
Contact info:
Julie Brumley
Resource Room Teacher
425 204 4189
julie.brumley@rentonschools.us
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tuesday TKD
Watching Harry in TKD closely tonight I noticed one important thing.
Harry did not listen ONCE to what he was being told.
Everything he did he was visually copying either the teacher or another student. All verbal commands to him - even direct were ignored or uncomprehended until he was shown an example of what to do. It was like he didnt hear what was being said to him at all - completely tuned out.
Fortunately, the teacher Master Chueng moved Harry right to the front swapping another student out so that Harry could be right there at the front. This meant the teacher was able to correct Harry on each exercise and move. Even during the visual demonstrations Harry would look in the mirror rather than listen to the teacher. He would wait until everyone started moving and copy their actions.
Harry needs to go through the four steps of listening again - ears, eyes, mind, body again.
Harry did not listen ONCE to what he was being told.
Everything he did he was visually copying either the teacher or another student. All verbal commands to him - even direct were ignored or uncomprehended until he was shown an example of what to do. It was like he didnt hear what was being said to him at all - completely tuned out.
Fortunately, the teacher Master Chueng moved Harry right to the front swapping another student out so that Harry could be right there at the front. This meant the teacher was able to correct Harry on each exercise and move. Even during the visual demonstrations Harry would look in the mirror rather than listen to the teacher. He would wait until everyone started moving and copy their actions.
Harry needs to go through the four steps of listening again - ears, eyes, mind, body again.
Today's Diet:
Breakfast: Glass of milk, bowl of fruit cheerios
Lunch: Nutella on whole grain sandwich, chocolate pudding cup, apple juice, crackers
Snack: Cheerios dry, fruit snack, apple juice
Dinner: 4 grilled pieces of grilled chicken breast (nugget size) 3 small broccoli, mac & cheese, apple juice
Desert: Ice cream
Today was a great eating day for him, I heard him say he was hungry and he ate everything he was given including seconds on mac & cheese. Way to go Harry!
Breakfast: Glass of milk, bowl of fruit cheerios
Lunch: Nutella on whole grain sandwich, chocolate pudding cup, apple juice, crackers
Snack: Cheerios dry, fruit snack, apple juice
Dinner: 4 grilled pieces of grilled chicken breast (nugget size) 3 small broccoli, mac & cheese, apple juice
Desert: Ice cream
Today was a great eating day for him, I heard him say he was hungry and he ate everything he was given including seconds on mac & cheese. Way to go Harry!
Doing OK...but man is getting anxious about his birthday!
Troubles understanding time and length
Its almost not worth telling him its his birthday until the day of. Everyday he asks me over and over again, "Is it my birthday tomorrow?" We have made a calendar for him, counting down the days so he can clearly see how far off it is. Its as if he has no reality of time or days. When you say dinner will be in 5mins, he gets upset because he is hungry now, but if you told him after that, would an hour be better or 10 hrs he would be fine? I don't understand. We need to teach him to understand these concepts but its not an easy one for him.
I think we may need to tell him of big events a few days before, that way he is not disappointed everyday leading up to the event. Everyday at the moment is like one big disappointment, he just wants his birthday to be tomorrow and everything will be alright.
Another thing he is anxious about is the time he spends at school. He feels it is too long and is a big day. He is overwhelmed by spending his whole day at school almost as if it is hard for him to see the end of the day or understand time. I wonder if it seems like an eternity for him?
Troubles understanding time and length
Its almost not worth telling him its his birthday until the day of. Everyday he asks me over and over again, "Is it my birthday tomorrow?" We have made a calendar for him, counting down the days so he can clearly see how far off it is. Its as if he has no reality of time or days. When you say dinner will be in 5mins, he gets upset because he is hungry now, but if you told him after that, would an hour be better or 10 hrs he would be fine? I don't understand. We need to teach him to understand these concepts but its not an easy one for him.
I think we may need to tell him of big events a few days before, that way he is not disappointed everyday leading up to the event. Everyday at the moment is like one big disappointment, he just wants his birthday to be tomorrow and everything will be alright.
Another thing he is anxious about is the time he spends at school. He feels it is too long and is a big day. He is overwhelmed by spending his whole day at school almost as if it is hard for him to see the end of the day or understand time. I wonder if it seems like an eternity for him?
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Harry's Birthday Party!
Friends:
Owen
Micky
Jayden
Greyson
Jack
Josh
Jamal
Science/invention/experiment party
Power Rangers Pizza Party!
ideas:
Playdough/slime/goo
Magnets (tied in with the Ikea as is)
Ikea - as-is odds and ends/pipe-cleaners
Lowes - build a workshop kits
Decorate a candy bag with science foamies
Mentos in diet coke
Birthday cake
Pinata - something science
Ideas from the Science Center:
Weird Science - Celebrate your birthday with weird science! Marvel as our expert science demonstrator gives you a private window into the electrifying invisible world of physical science in this all-new birthday party! As part of your one-hour interactive science workshop you’ll defy gravity with the power of magnetism, climb inside an electrostatic field, and make your own spinning, whirling science wonder to take home. Then, see just how delectable science can be as we make ice cream out of some of the coldest stuff on earth, right before your eyes! Don’t miss this hair-raising science experience!
Astronomy - Explore space. Visit the planets and stars as we talk about what's out there and what keeps us down here. Build your own rocket and find out what mix of "rocket fuel" will make a rocket go farthest!
Food:
Colored drinks
Layered color Jello cups with green slime cool whip
Chocolate pudding cups with worms
Birthday cake + cupcakes to decorate?
Pizza party
Friends:
Owen
Micky
Jayden
Greyson
Jack
Josh
Jamal
Science/invention/experiment party
Power Rangers Pizza Party!
ideas:
Playdough/slime/goo
Magnets (tied in with the Ikea as is)
Ikea - as-is odds and ends/pipe-cleaners
Lowes - build a workshop kits
Decorate a candy bag with science foamies
Mentos in diet coke
Birthday cake
Pinata - something science
Ideas from the Science Center:
Weird Science - Celebrate your birthday with weird science! Marvel as our expert science demonstrator gives you a private window into the electrifying invisible world of physical science in this all-new birthday party! As part of your one-hour interactive science workshop you’ll defy gravity with the power of magnetism, climb inside an electrostatic field, and make your own spinning, whirling science wonder to take home. Then, see just how delectable science can be as we make ice cream out of some of the coldest stuff on earth, right before your eyes! Don’t miss this hair-raising science experience!
Astronomy - Explore space. Visit the planets and stars as we talk about what's out there and what keeps us down here. Build your own rocket and find out what mix of "rocket fuel" will make a rocket go farthest!
Food:
Colored drinks
Layered color Jello cups with green slime cool whip
Chocolate pudding cups with worms
Birthday cake + cupcakes to decorate?
Pizza party
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Food Blogging...
Maybe diet could be a key to his behavior?
We will start blogging what he is eating/offered/not eating every day, it will be interesting to see if there is any correlation between certain foods and behavior
Breakfast: Two pieces of French Toast, apple juice
Lunch: Nutella sandwich on wholegrain, juice box, yogurt, cookies
Snack:
Dinner:
Maybe diet could be a key to his behavior?
We will start blogging what he is eating/offered/not eating every day, it will be interesting to see if there is any correlation between certain foods and behavior
Breakfast: Two pieces of French Toast, apple juice
Lunch: Nutella sandwich on wholegrain, juice box, yogurt, cookies
Snack:
Dinner:
Unpredictability!
Words that come into my mind about Harry at the moment are....
Angry, confused, emotional, sensitive, frustrated, fragile, sad!
One second happy the next minute sad. Something that brought a smile to his face one second could bring complete oversensitiveness and frustration the next.
I don't know what the trigger is to setting him off or what I can do that will bring him joy? He is so unpredictable, it is scary to be around him. He hits his head, he screams, he slams doors, pushes his brother over, hits what ever is around (luckily he does not hit people) he threatens and cries.
I know I shouldn't take things personally, but it is hard when all I do is open my mouth to offer support and he starts screaming that he hates me. Like what happened outside yesterday...
Harry and Thomas were playing really nicely (laughing and not pushing each others buttons) outside together, they had been wrestling, swinging, digging in the dirt and playing with cars. Thomas lost a matchbox car in the rockwall, so Harry tried to help, he ran up stairs and got his flashlight, when he came back down stairs he came running out the patio and said I have my flashlight, Thomas started walking over towards him and before anything was said, he threw it on the hard patio out of some type of anger or frustration (not sure what happened as no one had said anything) The flashlight shattered and then Harry starts saying "Dam, I am so stupid!" He runs over to the clubhouse and starts crying his eyes out. A very upset and sad cry. I asked him if he was OK? He got up (still crying) walked over to his flashlight and held the broken pieces out to me, he said nothing at first as he was still crying and then he said again "I'm so stupid". I said, can I help you fix it? On that note, he went screaming inside saying "I hate you mom, your so frustrating me!" then "I'm going to go find a new mom!"
What do I do? I am completely confused, all I wanted to do was help. As I sit here typing this, all I can think is maybe I need to ask him what we should do, instead of asking him if I can fix the problem? I will try this next time to see how that goes...will post!
So after all the drama that took place with the flashlight, I gave him some space, after about 30mins I went upstairs to see what he was up to? He was very quiet and honestly I was a little scared for his safety, was he hurting himself? had he really run off?
Thank god he was just sitting in his bedroom playing with Lego, as I walked in, it startled him and he accidentally broke something off of his ship, oh no I thought, is this the next trigger for a meltdown? But no, all he said was "Oops! that goes on here!" I was relieved but once again completely confused.
How can we even try and help him academically at the moment when we are finding it so hard to cope with his emotions and behavior.
Dave tried to read with him last night at bedtime and the result of that was more screaming, tears and Harry running into my room screaming I want my mom! When all Dave did was ask "come on Harry its time to read!" They had not even read a word yet.
Its like we are falling backwards with his development, barley keeping our heads above water!
Words that come into my mind about Harry at the moment are....
Angry, confused, emotional, sensitive, frustrated, fragile, sad!
One second happy the next minute sad. Something that brought a smile to his face one second could bring complete oversensitiveness and frustration the next.
I don't know what the trigger is to setting him off or what I can do that will bring him joy? He is so unpredictable, it is scary to be around him. He hits his head, he screams, he slams doors, pushes his brother over, hits what ever is around (luckily he does not hit people) he threatens and cries.
I know I shouldn't take things personally, but it is hard when all I do is open my mouth to offer support and he starts screaming that he hates me. Like what happened outside yesterday...
Harry and Thomas were playing really nicely (laughing and not pushing each others buttons) outside together, they had been wrestling, swinging, digging in the dirt and playing with cars. Thomas lost a matchbox car in the rockwall, so Harry tried to help, he ran up stairs and got his flashlight, when he came back down stairs he came running out the patio and said I have my flashlight, Thomas started walking over towards him and before anything was said, he threw it on the hard patio out of some type of anger or frustration (not sure what happened as no one had said anything) The flashlight shattered and then Harry starts saying "Dam, I am so stupid!" He runs over to the clubhouse and starts crying his eyes out. A very upset and sad cry. I asked him if he was OK? He got up (still crying) walked over to his flashlight and held the broken pieces out to me, he said nothing at first as he was still crying and then he said again "I'm so stupid". I said, can I help you fix it? On that note, he went screaming inside saying "I hate you mom, your so frustrating me!" then "I'm going to go find a new mom!"
What do I do? I am completely confused, all I wanted to do was help. As I sit here typing this, all I can think is maybe I need to ask him what we should do, instead of asking him if I can fix the problem? I will try this next time to see how that goes...will post!
So after all the drama that took place with the flashlight, I gave him some space, after about 30mins I went upstairs to see what he was up to? He was very quiet and honestly I was a little scared for his safety, was he hurting himself? had he really run off?
Thank god he was just sitting in his bedroom playing with Lego, as I walked in, it startled him and he accidentally broke something off of his ship, oh no I thought, is this the next trigger for a meltdown? But no, all he said was "Oops! that goes on here!" I was relieved but once again completely confused.
How can we even try and help him academically at the moment when we are finding it so hard to cope with his emotions and behavior.
Dave tried to read with him last night at bedtime and the result of that was more screaming, tears and Harry running into my room screaming I want my mom! When all Dave did was ask "come on Harry its time to read!" They had not even read a word yet.
Its like we are falling backwards with his development, barley keeping our heads above water!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
| Next step....Psychiatric help! This is the Doc I am hoping to get Harry into see. I guess the blog is a great place to post contacts and bio's of people and Doc's Harry meets. Oakesdale Center 600 Oakesdale Avenue SW #104 Renton, WA 98057 (425) 228-5336 (425) 228-4540 (Fax) | |
| Dr. Mary Hendrickson | |
| I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Washington. I went to the University of Washington as an undergraduate. I received my doctoral degree in psychology in 1997 from Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School in North Chicago, IL. My training included an emphasis on health psychology both in graduate school and during a one-year internship in pediatric psychology at Michigan State University. After graduation, I worked in private practice as a clinical psychologist and as a school psychologist in New Mexico. I work with children and their families, adolescents, and individual adults. Some of the issues I work with are depression, anxiety, child behavior problems, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, child abuse, adjustment problems (for example, family changes, loss, divorce), school problems, and coping with chronic illness. I also have experience in psychological evaluations for children and adults. I do not perform custody evaluations but can refer you to other professionals who do. My theoretical orientation is generally cognitive-behavioral but I also integrate other approaches, such as biological and developmental understanding and psychoeducational interventions. | |
Monday, September 7, 2009
Becoming Great Buddies...
Harry and Thomas are becoming really close, these last few weeks they have played more together than I have ever seen. They play together all the time, help each other with meals and getting dressed, they talk all the time, follow each other and yes bug and fight with each other too. They are brothers after all!
It has got to a point though where Harry will only go upstairs to play if Thomas goes with him. He says he doesn't want to be alone! He needs Thomas to go with him. Not sure if it is that he really wants Thomas to play with or if he really is unsure of being alone?
If Thomas does not to go upstairs then Harry will say, Thomas you are not looking after me! If you don't come, that is too bad, I will break this! As he holds out his lego ship and starts pulling it apart piece by piece.
The manipulation and attention seeking is getting to an all time high, along with the threats. What to do so that your other sibling is not effected by the emotional and mental state of your older child with needs?
Harry and Thomas are becoming really close, these last few weeks they have played more together than I have ever seen. They play together all the time, help each other with meals and getting dressed, they talk all the time, follow each other and yes bug and fight with each other too. They are brothers after all!
It has got to a point though where Harry will only go upstairs to play if Thomas goes with him. He says he doesn't want to be alone! He needs Thomas to go with him. Not sure if it is that he really wants Thomas to play with or if he really is unsure of being alone?
If Thomas does not to go upstairs then Harry will say, Thomas you are not looking after me! If you don't come, that is too bad, I will break this! As he holds out his lego ship and starts pulling it apart piece by piece.
The manipulation and attention seeking is getting to an all time high, along with the threats. What to do so that your other sibling is not effected by the emotional and mental state of your older child with needs?
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Labor day weekend...what a weekend to forget!!
It's been along time since I have seen Harry so emotionally uncontrollable.
Today we needed to run some errands, I had to get somethings for his school, fun right? I explained to him that we needed to get some things for his class, in an effort to try and get him involved and interested. He did not want to leave the house, which has been happening a lot lately. Just does not want to go out!
After being in the store for not more than 5mins he starts to complain about being there. Sure, I understand and what child like's shopping with his mom? So I explained again to him what it was we were doing there and what we needed to get, he got more upset with the fact that we were still there and that my response was not one of "OK, lets go home". So I thought maybe time was an issue and he didn't want to be there all day, he could not understand that getting 4 items would only take about 10mins? In response to my calm explanation as too why we are still there he starts screaming in the store "I want to go home" arguing every time he opened his mouth "fine, if we don't go home I will break this" picking up a mug from the shelf as he motions to throw it on the floor if he doesn't get his way. "Can we go now!" Yelling in a demanding voice. Harrison we need to get these few things then we can go, please be patient while we get these, why don't you help me so we can get home faster. "I hate you mom! You're not looking after me!" screaming further at the top of his voice, making quite the seen in the store. I told him "This is not acceptable, but nothing it seemed was getting through, he was not listening, looking and furious!
A few minuets of silence passed and we found an item, mum I'm sorry for my acting, I'll be good. "Thank you Harry, I really appreciate that, I'm trying to make this quick, I understand you don't want to be here". Then not more than 30sec later "OK now can we go home?" I said, There is still a few things on the list, so we will leave in a few minuets. "I want to go home now!!!" I seriously thought his head was going to spin and he would spit up green pea soup! I was shocked, didn't know what to do and felt speachless, Before I could say anything, he said "I want to go home now or I will kill myself!" I said, please don't say that, we will be going in a minute, one last thing and we will go. Please stop this behavior, I hear you and I have told you what we need to do, then we can go home.
I had thought about actually not going to start with, as I knew this outing would not be easy. I also thought about going home on more than one time he screamed at me. But what do I do? Give into his demands and condone this behavior and give him the victory? I needed to get this done and leaving him at home was not an option. What do I do?
His way and thinking is the only way, if anyone else has a different thought or corrects him, he will scream and headbutt the floor. So aggravated and frustrated.
I don't want to watch the crocodile on tv, it might come into my dreams!
It's been along time since I have seen Harry so emotionally uncontrollable.
Today we needed to run some errands, I had to get somethings for his school, fun right? I explained to him that we needed to get some things for his class, in an effort to try and get him involved and interested. He did not want to leave the house, which has been happening a lot lately. Just does not want to go out!
After being in the store for not more than 5mins he starts to complain about being there. Sure, I understand and what child like's shopping with his mom? So I explained again to him what it was we were doing there and what we needed to get, he got more upset with the fact that we were still there and that my response was not one of "OK, lets go home". So I thought maybe time was an issue and he didn't want to be there all day, he could not understand that getting 4 items would only take about 10mins? In response to my calm explanation as too why we are still there he starts screaming in the store "I want to go home" arguing every time he opened his mouth "fine, if we don't go home I will break this" picking up a mug from the shelf as he motions to throw it on the floor if he doesn't get his way. "Can we go now!" Yelling in a demanding voice. Harrison we need to get these few things then we can go, please be patient while we get these, why don't you help me so we can get home faster. "I hate you mom! You're not looking after me!" screaming further at the top of his voice, making quite the seen in the store. I told him "This is not acceptable, but nothing it seemed was getting through, he was not listening, looking and furious!
A few minuets of silence passed and we found an item, mum I'm sorry for my acting, I'll be good. "Thank you Harry, I really appreciate that, I'm trying to make this quick, I understand you don't want to be here". Then not more than 30sec later "OK now can we go home?" I said, There is still a few things on the list, so we will leave in a few minuets. "I want to go home now!!!" I seriously thought his head was going to spin and he would spit up green pea soup! I was shocked, didn't know what to do and felt speachless, Before I could say anything, he said "I want to go home now or I will kill myself!" I said, please don't say that, we will be going in a minute, one last thing and we will go. Please stop this behavior, I hear you and I have told you what we need to do, then we can go home.
I had thought about actually not going to start with, as I knew this outing would not be easy. I also thought about going home on more than one time he screamed at me. But what do I do? Give into his demands and condone this behavior and give him the victory? I needed to get this done and leaving him at home was not an option. What do I do?
His way and thinking is the only way, if anyone else has a different thought or corrects him, he will scream and headbutt the floor. So aggravated and frustrated.
I don't want to watch the crocodile on tv, it might come into my dreams!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tai Kwon Doe after school
Getting repared for TKD, Harry came home hungry and thirsty. Instead of eating his packed lunch he went and got a hot lunch (corn dog). When I came down to help Harry get ready for TKD, I asked him to come over to me to get his uniform on. "I am thirsty Daddy", "I will get your drink after we get your uniform on", "No but I'm thirsty", "We need to get dressed now" and then Harry started crying and losing control. At that point I went and got a drink for him. Until he had an apple juice, he wasnt able to cope with getting ready
It was obvious that Harry was tired. Half way through TKD, he wanted to stop saying "I'm tired Daddy". I was helping with TKD tonight , holding pads for HArry to kick.He wasnt doing a kick very right so I tried explaining it to him. then he did exactly the same wrong kick again. No matter what I told him, he would not try to change what he was doing. It was like he didnt see what I was doing or trying to learn what i was doing. None of it seemed to register.
He then went and kicked the bag and had both Master Chueng and another black belt show him how to do the kick. Yet he didnt change anything at all with his technique. nothing they said made any change to the way he kicked.
He seems to have a hard time focussing on what Master Chueng is saying to him. At the end of the class, they were asked to stand still, looking forward and concentrate on being quiet for 2 minutes. Harry immediately started moving about. MC even called out for Harrison to stay still and that worked for 10 seconds. Then he started moving again. I dont think he heard what MC said.
He had a lethargy about him today. It was his 2nd day at school so that was probably part of it.
I am wondering if the way the kids went to bed last night, Thomas came into Harry's bedroom a lot and kept him up beyond 8pm. Harry thought it was for a while. Maybe that also conributed.
It was obvious that Harry was tired. Half way through TKD, he wanted to stop saying "I'm tired Daddy". I was helping with TKD tonight , holding pads for HArry to kick.He wasnt doing a kick very right so I tried explaining it to him. then he did exactly the same wrong kick again. No matter what I told him, he would not try to change what he was doing. It was like he didnt see what I was doing or trying to learn what i was doing. None of it seemed to register.
He then went and kicked the bag and had both Master Chueng and another black belt show him how to do the kick. Yet he didnt change anything at all with his technique. nothing they said made any change to the way he kicked.
He seems to have a hard time focussing on what Master Chueng is saying to him. At the end of the class, they were asked to stand still, looking forward and concentrate on being quiet for 2 minutes. Harry immediately started moving about. MC even called out for Harrison to stay still and that worked for 10 seconds. Then he started moving again. I dont think he heard what MC said.
He had a lethargy about him today. It was his 2nd day at school so that was probably part of it.
I am wondering if the way the kids went to bed last night, Thomas came into Harry's bedroom a lot and kept him up beyond 8pm. Harry thought it was for a while. Maybe that also conributed.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
First day back at school!
Considering what a huge transition this day is, Harry did surprisingly well! We have been preparing all week for this day so maybe the preparations have really paid off.
Some things that were a real challenge today was listening, focusing and self confidence.
Contact details:
Sarah Baumgartner
Grade 1 teacher
425 204 4176
sarah.baumgartner@rentonschools.us
- We talked about first grade and going back to school everyday
- We cleaned out his room and got organized and cut the clutter
- prepared his closet and school clothes
- Bought the school supplies together
- worked out his lunches and shopped for fixings together
- Got him back into Tae Kwon Doe and the practice of listening and following insturctions
- Provided more structure around the house
- Helped him focus on the task at hand
- Talked about school scenarios that will need problem solving and how to handle it
Some things that were a real challenge today was listening, focusing and self confidence.
- When I asked him to get dressed into all the clothes we had layed out the night before, he could not remember where they were, he asked "what should I wear?" when I reminded him of the clothes he then had to be shown again where they were put.
- Getting dressed he needed reminding to focus on what he was doing, and the order of how to get dressed. He put his pants on without underpants, so he needed to redo.
- On redoing this he said "I'm just stupid!" and was very down on himself for not doing it right.
- I needed to provide prompting for every thing he had to do to prepare for today. Even with his printed out morning routine. I guess its the first day back and will get used to this again over the next few weeks. But without prompting at the moment he would be distracted and play with his lego's, anything that he would rather be doing and not what he should be doing.
Contact details:
Sarah Baumgartner
Grade 1 teacher
425 204 4176
sarah.baumgartner@rentonschools.us
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