This was a short and difficult session.
I forgot to mention last time, I think it was a better experience, in part, because we figured out how to add a picture to Jacob's name. He was excited to pick a picture and was happy to make the one he chose fit properly in place. I think this is what lead to his complete attention.
We decided to watch each video on how the exercises and see real examples of this. Jacob was doing okay with the videos until we viewed one that require real fruit in it.
This is when he immediately went into shut-down mode. He just kept repeating "This is weird" over and over. He did not like the idea behind this video.
I attempted to reinforce the conversation we had before we began. I explained to him that some of the exercises may seem "strange" and tried to compare it to when he used to have occupational therapy. Some of those exercises seemed strange too but it allowed him to learn how to tie his shoes and button his pants.
He still was resistant and I could tell we would not be getting far during this session. I suggested we watch the other videos and that we would not start the therapy that night. He agreed and calmed down slightly.
We finished the videos and he seemed responsive to the relaxation technique for bedtime. The only thing he did not like was that it stated to listen to classical music. I explained we could use some other music but that it has to be relaxing and not songs that make him want to get up and dance. I pulled out a relaxation CD I have had for years and told him we would use this one.
We had the CD player, headphones and music ready to go and again, he shut down on me and was insistent on listening to something else. I told him what his options were and from there, he become anxious and argumentative. Finally, I told him we wouldn't start any of the therapy yesterday so that he could think about the fact that this therapy could help his social skills, etc. I informed him that we were going to work on this and that I would try to explain the reasons behind these particular exercises in a different way.
I plan on picking up some of the needed materials today and will be encouraging him to, at least, give it a try. He said he thought the videos were child-like and "for little kids".
We will get there, I have no doubt. This is just something new and he needs time to process and realize that his "schedule" is going to include these exercises. To Be Continued...
Regards,
Holley Jacobs
