A few years ago a very lovely community learning disability nurse helped us with Seth's communication. We were really struggling and she taught us to sit quietly with Seth for just a minute. If he looked in our direction that was him inviting us to engage with him so we should then copy his movements or sounds, allowing him to lead the play.
At the time this simple excercise was ground breaking for us. I learnt that I didn't have to keep thrusting toys in front of Seth to ensure he was 'playing' and being stimulated at all times. That simply sitting quietly with him was enough. He got attention on his terms and allowed him to take control and lead what happens. My relationship with Seth really improved and he became calmer and banged his head less, and in turn I became calmer.
These days I don't need to consciously think 'now I'm going to do an intensive interaction excercise with Seth'; it happens naturally throughout the day and our communication has improved exponentially. One afternoon after school I laid down next to Seth on the sofa and attempted to video us. It's rubbish quality and at the beginning I have to turn the camera round because I couldn't find the 'selfie' option but I still think I captured a lovely few moments between us.
At the time this simple excercise was ground breaking for us. I learnt that I didn't have to keep thrusting toys in front of Seth to ensure he was 'playing' and being stimulated at all times. That simply sitting quietly with him was enough. He got attention on his terms and allowed him to take control and lead what happens. My relationship with Seth really improved and he became calmer and banged his head less, and in turn I became calmer.
These days I don't need to consciously think 'now I'm going to do an intensive interaction excercise with Seth'; it happens naturally throughout the day and our communication has improved exponentially. One afternoon after school I laid down next to Seth on the sofa and attempted to video us. It's rubbish quality and at the beginning I have to turn the camera round because I couldn't find the 'selfie' option but I still think I captured a lovely few moments between us.
