ABA Program - Very Encouraging

Yesterday was Raquel's official start day in the new Applied Behavior Analysis Program. I didn't know what to make of it, and was very concerned about Janine showing up at 2pm and interfering in Raquel's ususal nap time.

I tried to get her to sleep before she got there, but was unsuccessful. She was very tired and cranky in the beginning, and when Janine brought out a green, hopping toy, Raquel freaked out and started a tantrum. We both tried to calm her but nothing would help, so I rocked her in the rocking chair and she fell asleep in my arms. Janine says we'll be working on that. :-)

While she was asleep, Janine spent time going over this thick 3-ring binder with divider tabs and charts and stuff. It basically details Raquel's program. Now I know what Elizabeth meant by intense.

When she woke up, Janine was able to do some therapy on her and Raquel did really well. Janine was very impressed with how much she is able to do already and took my 3-ring binder with her to make some program adjustments. Raquel was doing imitations and matching items. Janine commented that she will do great in this program and is very excited to be part of the therapy.

The program is also going to be a tremendous help to me. Yesterday, I was in the kitchen and Raquel started whining. She wanted a snack. Janine told me that Raquel needs to get my attention in more appropriate ways - tapping me on the leg, for instance - instead of the crying and whining. She also observed some of the hitting & scratching during her tantrum and told me that will be coming to an end very soon. What great news.

Janine will be implementing the Picture Exchange (PECS) program as well. She took a few pictures yesterday - of milk, juice, yogurt, applesauce, and some of Raquel's favorite things. We'll start that tomorrow. She is also overlapping with Mary in speech therapy on Monday to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Janine will be coming all next week with Raquel's two new therapists: Jennifer, who I have not met, and Cari, who was here on Monday and is Elizabeth's sister-in-law. Janine is going to be the "bad guy" at first and the one to put all the major demands on her. This will allow Raquel to bond with her two new therapists. After next week, Janine will only come once per week to check her progress. She told me to prepare for the worst but after working with Raquel yesterday, really doesn't think it will get too bad. One can only hope!