Can I share a good thing?

[neverputasockinatoaster]

I've posted before asking for advice about my DS (6yo) with possible ASD.
I have 2 good things to share......
1 is that we have finally got an appointment for an assessment
The second is that we went to a huge family gathering this week. I generally approach those things with fear and trepidation as they are full of DS's triggers for meltdown... noise, lack of routine, noise, people, noise, lack of space, noise...... (actually those are triggers for me too!). This time we went prepared. I told family about DS and his possibel ASD and his triggers. DS had 3 keyrings, green, orange and red and I had written on them... I am really happy, getting a bit cross, need a quiet place and I am really angry, please help me to calm down. He uses cards like this at school.
Throuhgout the day I told him how well he was doing and got him to check his 'colour'.
We had NO meltdowns and he has asked when we will be seeing everyone again!
YIPPEE!!

Fantastic news! Well done neverputasockinatoaster and littleneverputasockinatoaster

I love the idea of keyrings with the traffic lights on. Where did you get them from?

The keyrings are just key tags, cheapo ones from the market... the ones you can label IYSWIM.... I got 8 for £1. It was just a way to keep him on track with his colours. He had them in his pocket all day.
I was just so pleased we made it through the day. I think the decision to be 'up front' with the family meant I wasn't on edge waiting for a meltdown and thus I was able to focus on his success and reinforce it.

Assessment wise we are seeing a Paed. I suspect it will be an interesting appointment!
I'm taking his home school diary, copies of IEPs, a diary of ramblings from me ie things he does, says, triggers etc as well as a food/behaviour diary......

Brilliant

Really well done. Very pleased for you and little sock.

I think the colours come from the 5 point scale?

Or certainly it uses a similar type of thing if people want to read a bit more about it........

well done, what a good idea, i may follow yr example....