Today's session with Jennifer was the complete opposite of yesterday. She was happy, engaged in all trials, scored very well - and I don't think even displayed any behaviors. She really seemed to enjoy working today, and had a smile on her face throughout the entire session.
After the session, we had our monthly Team Meeting. It, again, went really well. It always starts out with them asking me what concerns I have before we review her data and discuss program modifications and changes. Today, my only real issue was with her starting to somewhat tantrum a bit again, so we discussed this for some time.
She actually had a tantrum during the Team Meeting so Janine was able to observe how they are now compared to earlier months and make suggestions. I don't know what provoked the tantrum tonight but my gut tells me she was just tired from the ABA session and was mad about not get 100% of my undivided attention. Janine recommended that, because the tantrums are so much more mild and that Raquel is not doing such self-injuring behaviors, that we put a little tent in her bedroom and fill it with pillows. When the tantrum is in the very earliest stages, she wants us to immediately put her in it and keep her there until she calms down. Janine said that it might be a couple rough days at first, that the tantrums will most likely escalate once we put her there, but it will definitely get better.
Tonight's mini-tantrum was attention seeking. Although I wouldn't make eye contact while she was upset, Janine said Raquel kept looking at me, trying to get my attention. I'd move away and she'd get up and come to me, even saying, "Mama! Mama!" but since she wasn't calming down, I didn't pick her up or really acknowledge her. Janine eventually took her in the bedroom and played "I'm Yours" and she completely calmed down and was fine for the rest of the night.
We also talked about her GFCF diet and how supplements play a role in this. I've been so fortunate to be given such wonderful advice from our Herbalist/Iridologist, Chiropractor, Therapists, other Moms, and even strangers reading this blog, going through the same or similar things we are. It's just so overwhelming because you can't do everything everyone is telling us to do. I told Janine that I'm trying to find a "DAN" doctor (DAN stands for Defeat Autism Now), and she just happens to know someone here that has one. I'm not saying that I don't like Raquel & Gabby's regular Pediatrician, it's just that DAN Doctors are more in tune to the whole diet/supplement thing, which is where I need a lot of support because the diet part is a huge component with Raquel.
I'm confident tomorrow will be another great day therapy wise.
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