Autism

Four Stars for Easy Bribery

So in 1st grade they have this way of getting kids to behave. It's usually a star or sticker or whatever system where they start out with so many of said symbol and then throughout the day, they get "deductions" for bad behavior. Although, in my opinion, I think it enforces a fear tactic instead of my favored positive reinforcement and instills self confidence issues in most children- it seems to work for Aethan to some extent. Now don't get me wrong. Aethan couldn't give a crap about the actual stars themselves. They are an abstract to him. One thing about any kind of Autism Spectrum Disorder is the that abstract doesn't exist. So after hours of trying to explain to him "why" it was important not to talk during class assignments I finally resorted to good old fashioned reasoning...and bribery of course. It was simple..."Aethan, if you get four stars at school, you can play with my iphone on the way home from school and to school then next day." "OK, Mommy." So that simple. He hasn't had a 2 star day since. Here's the fact. He doesn't care why he should listen and follow instructions. He just need to know what the basic general reprocutions are. He has plenty of self control. He just doesn't use it unless HE finds it important. Simple right? I'm not even sure this has anything to do with ASD. I'm prety sure most 6 year olds are still stuck on "How does this effect me?" In fact, I think this exists in the male species until they are at least 30...maybe longer. So moms...don't assume your child doesn't know how to control himself. They know how. They just won't make a concious effort unless there is a reason valid to them.

Our favorite Holiday...and other cool Aethan updates

Aethan found Jaiden's old OB-Wan costume and decide that's what he wanted to wear to Sea World's Halloween Spooktackular. I'm glad he did, because it was hot and that costume is paper thin. We had a lot of fun with lots of our friends. Now we are getting ready for Halloween and he is so excited about decorating. He tattooed a pumpkin (pictures soon) and Grandma is sewing him a T-Rex costume. He is very in to this. Today was "crazy Hair" day at school and he told me he wanted his hair in a "crest." What he meant was a mohawk, but since he lives in dinosaur world, I made him a "crest" with Vince's hair glue. When I picked him up, he still had his crest, but it was now a gray crest from all the sand from the playground that was sticking it in. He got a bath before the grocery store.

I can't say enough how much he makes my life easier. He is the best baby entertainer on the planet. His genuine smile and silliness just makes Adrian laugh for hours. And happy baby means Mommy can get stuff done. His desire to make his brother happy just melts me!

And he'll tell you different, but Aethan can read now. It happened over night. One night he just decided it was his turn to read the story. I love this!