When behavior is a problem during therapy sessions...

My dc is 2 1/2 (pddnos) and has been receiving therapy for approx 6 months so he's still pretty new. He will have great days with great scores and other times miserable & nasty during his sessions and group class. His behavior consist of yelling with high pitch screams, throwing the tray that attaches to his chair, throwing toys, crying jumping up and down. He doesn't hurt himself but could hurt others around him when he throws things. This happens always when something doesn't go his way or transitioning from something he really desires.

I know he's two and fustrated because he can't communicate his wants or desire or have the patience to complete something before getting something else he desires. Re-direction will work at times, I am using pressure touch at times other than that I will ignore/walk away, teachers will do 1 minute time out and pressure touch too.

Does anyone have any other reccomendations to help him calm down? Or have experience with having a child who is behavioral and with continued therapy calmed down? I would love to hear positive stories too. My child can be pretty fiesty and very self directed.

Re: When behavior is a problem during therapy sessions...

I find many times it's the therapist's approach. For my dd, who is one of the most easy going kids, "strict behaviorism" did absolutely nothing for her, except frustrate her and get her so emotionally upset, that it was horrific to watch.

Perhaps if the therapists took a more natural approach, and set up a very structured "play" environment, he will comprehend easier, that one fun thing leads to another, and that it's "okay" to transition because something else exciting is going to happen.

Does your ds get speech and OT ? Many times those therapists do not use a behaviorist approach, and some are even trained in floortime/DIR.

Re: When behavior is a problem during therapy sessions...

Posted by sapphire


Does your ds get speech and OT ? Many times those therapists do not use a behaviorist approach, and some are even trained in floortime/DIR.

Re: When behavior is a problem during therapy sessions...

Also, do they use any re-enforcers? My son was the same way but if you pulled out a bag of animals he'd jump through hoops to get one in his hand. I'd talk to his teacher about it.

Re: When behavior is a problem during therapy sessions...

What are they working on in his sessions? That could be a big part of the problem. Of he cant communicate, then communication should be part of his therapy sessions.... He should not be doing too many table top type things at is time other than toy play and communication. No matching, picture card, identification unless it's a small portion of the session....