This week has been interesting. Monday, Raquel wasn't very vocal with Cari, and Cari even asked me to speak to Mary during speech about ways to increase her talking during the ABA sessions. Mary suggested rotating toys to keep things new. But that's a problem because there are a lot of toys already involved and a whole lot of trials, so it would probably take one person just to set up the whole toy rotation alone if we went that route. Mary also again noted that Raquel is very stubborn and wants to do things when she feels like it, and that the ABA program is about keeping a routine - something that will prepare Raquel for with school. She has to learn that things can't always be on her terms.
Tuesday, she had an awesome session with Jennifer. Again, the 11:30 - 1:30 time slot makes me nervous, but I have to tell you that after this week, I will no longer have anxiety about it. She was talking up a storm and very cooperative, even though very tired. Jennifer commented that this was the first session that SHE ended - usually Raquel will become aggitated and she'll have to stop. Very encouraging!
I went to the office on Wednesday morning for a production meeting and came home, an hour later, to pure madness. Karin was just trying to start her OT session. She was off last week so we aren't sure if Raquel was just thrown off by an ABA therapist not being there when there was a knock on the door or what, but it just wasn't pretty. I played "I'm Yours", got her to calm down, and then she actually was able to have an okay session with Karin.
Janine overlapped with Jennifer on Wednesday afternoon and we are now doing part of the session outside in Raquel's swing. She's able to get in some of her "ready, set, go's" as well as waving and pointing. It also helps with her sensory processing. Once we were done swinging, Raquel was much happier - and more vocal. Janine also brought new pictures for familiar people, and Raquel is doing much better at picking out Gabby in the rotation.
Janine filled in for Cari today. Raquel still gives her the "look" from time to time, but doesn't cry when she walks in the door anymore, and today was actually pretty cooperative with her. She scored really well on several trials and Janine is hoping that she will be moving up on some of them next week.
And one mystery is solved. Raquel has been saying "Amy" for the longest time. Mary has asked me who Amy is, a sister, aunt, friend, etc. We don't know any Amy's in our family. The other day, Mike had Raquel outside and our dog came up to Raquel. She patted her back while saying, "Amy Doog! Amy Doog!" The translation: Annie Dog - our beautiful, black lab. Now that we've acknowledged "Amy" as Annie, Raquel will say her name when she hears her barking or when she sees her. I now understand why Mary stressed the importance of confirming the speech. She wouldn't use it consistently until she knew we understood what she was saying.
Introducing ... Amy Doog! :-)
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