Author: Andre Velho | Jan 28, 2015
Many children who visit Sethu for Behaviour Therapy are very dependent on their parents for most of their needs – feeding, dressing and undressing, bathing etc. Parents are often explained the need for children with autism to be as independent as possible, which is best for their future. Many parents often fall into routines or ruts which children rely on and cause their disability to persist. For example – using a baby bottle well beyond age 2, skipping toilet training beyond age 4, completely dressing your child when they are 4 etc. Parents need to break out of this mold and let children reach their true capabilities – which is only possible if the child is given the opportunity to do so.
Breaking out of this mold can happen in 3 steps –
1.Keeping a daily journal, looking for habits that need to be changed. These need to be identified honestly and accurately preferably with the help from friends, family and therapists.
2.Review all these habits and prioritize which ones you would like to see your child progress to the next step
3.Set goals with your school/child development centre and work on a plan/program during therapy as well as at home to graduate your child to next step or to eliminate a routine.
Here is an example of how to move your child from a Baby Bottle to a Sipper Bottle, Then from a Sipper Bottle to a Cup.
First purchase Baby Bottles, Sipper Bottles and Regular Cups that have a similar color and style.
Throw out all old bottles and start with the newly purchased items and bottles.
Once the child is used to the new bottles, change the nipples and make the hole so large the liquid pours out too quickly and makes a mess.
Then move to the Sipper Bottles. Start first by modifying the Sipper Bottle by drilling a hole that is just large enough to fit the straw through the sipper part of the cup. Gently poke the straw through the cup to be out only 1 millimeter. Reward the child often for drinking out of the cup.
Move the straw out one millimeter at a time. Over 1-2 weeks, the straw should be completely out.
Move completely towards a regular straw out of a regular Sipper Bottle.Sipper Bottle to a cup –
Cut the Sipper Bottle straws so it is very difficult in getting the liquid out through the straw.
Give your child their favorite drinks in the bath tub or outside on a hot day.
Reward them often for drinking from cups.
Remove the Sipper Bottle lid and use only a regular straw.
Remove the Sipper Bottle lid and use no straw.