ABA Outing At The Mall

This afternoon we had Raquel's ABA session at the mall. Since she is transitioning to the school district system so soon, our wonderful ABA Team is helping with this transition by scheduling an outing once per week where they can work with her in daily life experiences. These outings obviously don't involve using "the box" or recording data. They are just helping me learn how to deal with her outside of her home environment.

So why would we choose the mall of all places for a little one with sensory issues and being so timid when outside her comfort zone? Because she's just got to learn how to cope as harsh as that may sound. It was either going to the mall or the park, but since the park is becoming more and more familiar to her, I thought the mall might be the best choice today.

And she did great! I was so proud of her. There were plenty of kids in the play area running around and screaming at the top of their lungs - Gabby being one of them, mind you - and it took Raquel a few minutes to warm up. Cari held her hand and walked around and then pretty soon she was up and walking on her own. She was startled many times but didn't have one meltdown at all. And she enjoyed sitting on the giant turtle. :-)



Today was the first day that she has ever left the play area and wondered off. I was shocked. Once that happened, we decided to go walking in the mall. I pushed the stroller and Cari held Raquel's hand to keep her from getting into stuff and to keep up the pace, and she walked and walked. We went to the family lounge - another familiar place for her - and today was also the first day that she ever left it on her own. At one point, she bolted from me and started going down the very busy food court. I was pleased - not because she bolted from me but because she felt comfortable enough to do so. She has certainly come a long way.

The only downside to the outings is that it allows me to observe other kids her age or younger and to see where she should be, and isn't, developmentally. Sometimes it really hits home, but other times, I just think of how much she has progressed since the start of all of this. That is what I try to focus on the most. Gabby is the one who always sums it up when she says, "Sissy, we're never going to give up on you!" And she's 100% correct.