The beginning of the ABA journey: feeling good

[theDudesmummy]

I have come on here enough times moaning about things that are difficult or asking for advice, so I thought I would just share a really hopeful day I had yesterday. We are starting a home ABA programme for my (very nearly) 3 year old DS and yesterday was the second training day for the team, with the consultant. It went very well and DS played his part and engaged so nicely with everyone. I think everyone on the team came away feeling really positive (and the consultant even emailed me to tell me he went home smiling and that he saw really positive signs that DS is going to respond to this approach), and I just felt I have seen a glimmer of light. I don't want to set myself up for disappointment, and am trying not to expect too much, but I allowed myself just a little lightening-up after a really tough and busy/exhausting time coming to terms with the dx and then getting everythign set up.

Thanks so much to all on MN who advised about the ABA approach and how to go about it/what consultant to choose etc. Whatever happens now (and I am aware this is only a tiniest baby step in a long journey ahead), at least today I feel positive!

Ah, good luck!

I second that - good luck!

I remember the initial set up visits - things falling into place, and, for the first time - dd1 responding to someone other than me or dh, and eager to interact etc. after so long being told that we were delusional as to her abilities, it was an absolute joy, and a weight off our shoulders.

we are 4years on from that now (actually, nearly 5 years - where does the time go?!), and the benefits for dd1 have been immense. she spent all afternoon working with a peer today at school - their tutors were really pleased with them both - and has consistently amazed people who don't see ehr day-to-day with her leaps in development.

I hope you all have a good weekend - it will have been well earned, I am sure

Yes good luck. I found that the first few weeks of ABA were actually the fastest progress DS ever made. It was finding a way of unlocking what was there. For e.g. once he could label things when asked we realised he knew the name of loads of things. The best thing was when he started using our names again having not called me Mummy for 6 months (he stopped when he regressed) I can vividly remember him saying 'its a Mummy', and then he started saying it all the time.

It is such a great feeling isn't it, to feel that you're finally doing something to actually make a difference

I hope you see great progress. For us one of the best things, along with seeing the huge strides ds made so quickly, was also knowing what we could do as a family - and how to manage/treat/teach ds on an ongoing basis.

Our family life improved beyond belief, and everything (ds's development, our life) continues to do so. It hasn't stopped ds being autistic but it has given us a clear way to help, teach, reduce difficulties, and give him the skills to join in with life. He is 100000% happier now he knows how to communicate, converse, play, and interact.

Wish you all the best