Hey blog-o-sphere. We've been pretty preoccupied, lately. E's therapist and I had been focusing on approaching his behavioral changes that had developed within the past two months. Long story short, E's need for self-stimming, had increased pretty significantly. I understand the multiple facets of self-stim. But this was a case of him adamantly seeking sensory feedback through teeth grinding, and seeking a disconnect to watch fans (and all things similar).. Everybody that knows him, was starting to pick up on it, too. This wasn't the normal E that we know. I wouldn't call it a regression, as I'd see great feats (academic and social) still being accomplished. But it has definitely been a concerning sight to loose ground in cognition.
This past week, we began some trials of a sensory diet. If he's actively seeking that sensory fullfilment, watch what happens to his cognition levels when utilizing a sensory integration toolset in doses.... After 4 minutes, bouncing on a large balance ball with a weighted vest, with little prompts, he executed a few 1 & 2 step directives and stopped grinding his teeth. we repeated similar things through the appointment. By the end, it was close to dinner time. And on his own, independently, E stated, "want food please". I asked if he could clear that up and tell me what he wanted (because I wasn't sure what he had said). He replies, "I... want eat please". "Good job! Is E hungry?", I reply. He then picks up a stick of modeling clay (we use for sensory) and pretends (with sound) to take a bite out of it. I was floored.
So, we're trying new things out. So far so good. More to share, but E awaits.
Not to mention, my head has been in this other place, lately...
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