day four: #NAC17

So after my frustration of yesterday, I never did get around to summarizing some of the sessions I attended on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday morning started out with a lesson on the direction parents can take after their child is diagnosed with autism. Roxann Barnett of the PA Child Foster Care and Adoption Corporation hosted a more informal and smaller group that allowed for the asking of questions throughout the presentation. We discussed medical insurance companies and how to navigate them, especially MA, the importance of parent education and the need to make sure any information (in particular, online) is based in fact. Scientifically proven interventions are much more likely to help your child, as they've been tested. The conversation turned to the various agencies in Pennsylvania that exist to help children on the spectrum, and she was extremely helpful in outlining the hierarchy of aid workers. I really don't know where along the lines people expect parents to learn these things, because none of it has ever been explained to me, and it is kind of awkward to have a "professional" come into your home and then demand their credentials and a breakdown of who is in charge of who at their company. Roxann stressed the importance of getting over that idea that you're being rude, because it is crucial that your child is getting help from people who know what they are doing. She also encouraged parents to go above an aid's head to their superior if there are any personality conflicts or incompetency on the part of the person who is working one-on-one with your child. Just because we have been taught all our lives to be extremely polite, that doesn't mean you can't be polite while demanding the appropriate help for your child.

Tuesday afternoon I found myself in one of the most informative sessions I've attended yet. Rachel Kittenbrink of PaTTAN had an interactive workshop about how to teach children with autism to comply. Since this is such a huge issue in our family, I really enjoyed the chance to learn some proven methods for helping a child change their behavior. Pulling apart the behavior to look at the cause is extremely important, (which I knew and have been trying to do, but Rachel had some awesome ways to do so) and the correct understanding of reinforcement and punishment (and the difference between them) is huge. The entire session was kind of like meeting Super Nanny and getting a step-by-step as to how she handles the kids. Rachel didn't have an awesome British accent, but her help was extremely valuable. She even gave us all little goodie bags full of toys! After practicing reactions to children's undesired behavior with peers, which felt cheesy but was helpful for some, we got to take home all of  the "reinforcers" (toys) to use with the children in our own lives. Johnny already has two of them and he is loving it!

I skipped out on my third session on Tuesday, which was one I really wanted to attend, (The new DSM-5 breakdown) but I couldn't handle being there anymore. It looks as though the webcast was actually recorded as well and will be available for me to watch at home later. Yay!

Yesterday (Wednesday) morning's session was with Dr. Timothy Vollmer, and was another one of my favorites so far. "Antecedent Interventions and Considerations to Reduce Problem Behavior" really explored several methods, including some to handle dangerous situations in order to immediately shut down the undesired behavior. Since my kid has some serious aggression issues, it was quite helpful. When I'm getting hit and kicked repeatedly and he is hitting or biting himself, it is key that I have a way to stop the dangerous situation. I know Johnny doesn't get nearly as intense as some other kids, but it is still something that I need to be able to address with him. Vollmer is from the University of Florida and is himself the one who has done a lot of the research and case studies that have devised the methods that work best. A good bit of his presentation overlapped with things that Rachel had spoken about the day before, but he was able to provide yet another perspective. It is entertaining to hear these professionals bring to light the cause of many of the behaviors that are exhibited during problem instances, and it is helpful for me to know ways to accommodate and then coach Johnny to make different choices. 

As you read, I walked out of my second session of the day. Not wanting to take Johnny out of his classroom where he has been getting some of the only peer social interaction he has had all summer, I took the time to make some phone calls that are hard to make when he is under my feet. I had been told by a woman who runs the Stepping Stones program in two other counties that Johnny should have never been kicked to the curb with their summer camp. She said they are legally obligated to take him, despite his lack of full bathroom skills. She was mad! She got in contact with the woman who runs the local one for me, and I got a chance to talk to that lady. Apparently the director in Centre County had absolutely no idea that Johnny had been turned away, and she's mad too. She will be investigating the problem, and offered him a spot in their after school program this fall. She felt extremely bad that we've gone all summer unable to do much, and she said that measures will be taken against those who refused us. I didn't set out to get people in trouble, but I really do think that the issue needs to be addressed. My summer might have been so different! Too late now, but it would be good to make sure something like this doesn't happen to any other families.

I also got the contact information for the Assistant Director of Special Education for the State College Area School District. My mom was actually at a conference with her this week, and they got a chance to talk about Johnny's situation. She suggested I go to the IU10 for an assessment. I responded that I've been there, done that, and been told that he needs a GIEP (Gifted Individualized Education Plan) and not an IEP, but they don't grant those until Kindergarten at the absolute earliest. Most of the time it isn't done until 3rd grade. (Watch me!) Anyway, she then set me in the direction of finding a way to get Johnny into Easter Seal's preschool program this fall and leaving Matternville. While I will be really very sad to see Autumn go, I have been very frustrated with the preschool it's self and I will definitely take my kid wherever he needs to receive the help he needs. If he gets into Easter Seals, they will provide his additional services there during the school day! I am also being sent the contact information for some women who work with the early elementary school kids on the spectrum who aren't yet potty trained. While I have a session on potty training this afternoon, that will be some extremely welcome additional help!!! 

This morning, day 4, Stephen and I are sitting in the Social Skills for Higher Functioning Children session. Unfortunately, although it was listed as parent-friendly, it is almost entirely aimed at educational staff. I'll be honest, I stopped listening after the first 45 minutes. I don't think we will return to the room after the break that is coming up in a little bit. The session just isn't relevant to us. 

This afternoon we have the potty training session, as mentioned, as well as a group on collaboration between all educators and caregivers. It should be interesting to see how things go! For now-- I'll get a cappuccino!