The live of YP

YP is an 11-year-old boy with autism. I met him in May last year. He screamed, snatched, hit and shout. He always wanted his own way and refused to accept ‘no’. His parents are at loss as to what to do with him. He’s a tall boy, so it’s not easy to control him.

Initially, we tried using schedule and social stories to help him control his behaviour. However, that didn’t quite work out.

I contemplated discharging YP, not knowing what else I could do for him. However, I did wonder if his behavioural problem could possibly stemmed from communication breakdown. So I had a few discussion sessions with YP’s parents, and we started him on Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Basically, we work on his communication skills first. And coupled it with visual strategies to help him understand what is acceptable behaviour.

After about 2 months of his mother’s diligence in working at it, YP is now able to wait, listen, and accepts ‘no’. He no longer scream, snatch, hit and shout.

Knowing how to and being able to communicate is such a powerful tool. Especially when I see it in YP. His mother now is very happy. How, she can reason with him.

I’m glad I didn’t discharge YP without trying more. If not, YP’s, as well as his family’s lives would not have taken a better turn.

~ by enniey on March 26, 2009.