Finally - A Good Session This Week

The first half of Raquel's session with Jennifer yesterday wasn't very typical. She was somewhat cooperative, but pretty much whined for the first hour and Jennifer wasn't even able to perform some of the programs. She was really tired, though.

The second half was a little better. She wasn't talking a whole lot, but yesterday they moved her on in a couple of areas and she's doing really well in that respect. She's still very impatient when it comes to opening "the box." They have to fill out paperwork first, and as soon as Raquel sees them walk through the door, she's ready to work.

Today was much better. She was even laughing throughout the session. Still, not as vocal as usual, but at least Jennifer was able to record data. And Wednesday's are often a little more challenging because she has OT earlier in the morning. By the time Karin leaves at 11:30am, Raquel is ready for her nap. And then when Jennifer is finished at 4pm, she'll often take another one. They really do make her work. She didn't take a second nap so hopefully she'll go to bed at a decent hour and sleep all night. She's been challenging in the sleep department this week.

I've been asked about the box and what's inside and how they do the trials. So, here's the infamous "box of goods" - with her 3-ring binder on top:

And here's some of the toys used during the session, kept in a ziploc bag:

The bag of pictures for "familiar people." Some are very unfamiliar, thanks to Janine, and they make us laugh. Today she chose both Gabby & Mike when they were in the same line-up.

This is her PECS book. This still is the hardest for me to stay consistent with and is by far the most frustrating.

The maracaas - one being an empty water bottle filled with beans. They use these during the non-verbal imitations, objects program.

Having to choose "car" from a field of three during receptive object labelling. Or they will give her an identical car and have her match it by either putting it down with the other, or picking the one on the floor up while holding the other at the same time.

What they sometimes use for the receptive commands. Today she was putting the ball in as well as throwing the ball when asked to.

Obviously there is a lot more to it, but this will somewhat give you a visual. Hopefully we'll have another good session tomorrow with Cari. On Friday, Janine is overlapping with Cari for her end of the week session.