Monday, January 23, 2012

skill deficits :(

I've been making a list of deficits in the daily living department lately. Obviously curbing the negative destructive and aggressive behaviors continue to be first and foremost and still have the highest priority, and of course, language delay is a HUGE component in these behaviors and other social and academic deficits, but the lack of finesses in the daily living skill set will likely become much more limiting on his independence if not addressed soon...

When I first started jotting things down, I was thinking, "Gosh, I wish there was an overnight summer camp that would focus on just everyday skills in an everyday environment." It seems like a complete focus and arena to pay attention to small gains, etc would be key...maybe that's how the morning time next school year will be when it's just him and I and no other schedules...

SO...Here's my list...

1. going to the bathroom without being asked (listening to his body) and managing the entire affair-- getting all of urine into toilet instead of on the floor, etc, sitting on toilet (using hand to deflect any urine into the toilet in that position), wiping, managing fasteners, understanding not to touch dirty/germy areas of bathroom (and washing if you do!), navigating a public restroom (+stranger danger in this environment)--ugh

2. Mealtime--using a fork/spoon better without having to use his hands, feeling confident with a variety of cups, glasses, bottles, etc, learning to tuck a napkin in his shirt or put on his lap...because he's messy (a lot goes on his lap and all over the floor--this could be an oral skill issue as well).

3. Getting dressed/undressed without help and without supervision in a reasonable time :)

4. brushing teeth independently -- learning to spit! -- wiping/blowing his nose appropriately in a kleenex and not on my arm :)

5. showering -- managing the faucet, washing all his parts, managing/coordination of soap, washcloth, & shampoo bottles

6. out & about -- managing sensory overload in different stores, restaurants, etc -- approaching strangers appropriately -- not touching others' food (at the restaurant last weekend, upon leaving he bee-lined it to another table where a little girl had french fries on her plate...he reached out to grab them, I tried to deflect his hands, half the fries got spilled about --UGH)...what do I say in these instances??? Driving home, I realized I should've paid for the little girl's meal!

I'm sure there are others...but these skill areas seem to be key to helping him fit in, have pride, privacy, and a chance at the most independence!

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