Anonymous wrote:OP,
You sound like you have a lot going on, SN child or not. So I hope there's something in your life to recharge your batteries. There's a lot that's not in our control. So I would start where you do have some influence.
1. Make sure your kid has healthy food and plenty of rest. In terms of limiting tv, it is almost impossible to get the genie back in the bottle, but there are strategies that help like picture schedules and timers.
2. Don't focus on trying to teach him something when you're together. "Homework" from a speech therapist or OT should have an element of fun (with the possible exception of handwriting). See if you can get the Hanen book, "it takes two to talk" from the library. Ask his IEP team if the parent class is available. Basically let your child lead play time. It's a much more natural and less stressful way of stimulating speech. Another reason he may be acting out is that he wants your attention and doesn't have a way to express this. The negative behaviors definitely work on getting attention though.
3. If you are concerned about regression and incorrect placement, you'll need to ask for frequent updates from the IEP team on progress toward goals. To get a different placement you'll need to document. You can do this at home with a notebook.
Taking care of your family and yourself is hard work. I'm sending positive thoughts your way
Anonymous wrote:OP,
You sound like you have a lot going on, SN child or not. So I hope there's something in your life to recharge your batteries. There's a lot that's not in our control. So I would start where you do have some influence.
1. Make sure your kid has healthy food and plenty of rest. In terms of limiting tv, it is almost impossible to get the genie back in the bottle, but there are strategies that help like picture schedules and timers.
2. Don't focus on trying to teach him something when you're together. "Homework" from a speech therapist or OT should have an element of fun (with the possible exception of handwriting). See if you can get the Hanen book, "it takes two to talk" from the library. Ask his IEP team if the parent class is available. Basically let your child lead play time. It's a much more natural and less stressful way of stimulating speech. Another reason he may be acting out is that he wants your attention and doesn't have a way to express this. The negative behaviors definitely work on getting attention though.
3. If you are concerned about regression and incorrect placement, you'll need to ask for frequent updates from the IEP team on progress toward goals. To get a different placement you'll need to document. You can do this at home with a notebook.
Taking care of your family and yourself is hard work. I'm sending positive thoughts your way
Anonymous wrote:What strikes me in reading your post, OP, is that your child had words and doesn't any more. That is worrisome. Maybe it is the situation and a new environment next school year will help. But I'd also want to get your child's developmental pediatrician's (or whichever specialist cares for your child) input. Down Syndrome impacts so many different areas of development and growth, and is co-occuring with other special needs that something might be going on with your kiddo that a check in might be useful.
I hope your child has a good summer, OP!