One of the Best Therapy Tools? YOU!

I love those days when I think I have my subject matter selected for a blog post or podcast and then something happens and I think "nope, this is what I need to use." I bet you won't be surprised to hear that this happened today. 

I had to change a visit with one of my little clients who is high on the Autism Spectrum-always a difficult thing as children on the spectrum aren't always very flexible. I take great care in trying to keep my schedule the same, especially if I'm seeing them at school, so I don't disrupt their entire day. I had prepared myself for a less than great session with my friend because I would be surprising her. 

Surprise was on me!  

I arrived at her school and she was happy to see me, gladly stopped her activity and jumped seamlessly into my plan. We have been working on social/pragmatic skills and executive functioning skills. One way that I have indirectly been working on social/pragmatics is through compliments. Since beginning treatment with her in the spring, I have always greeted her but then given her a compliment about clothing, her work or her overall appearance....so something like "Good morning, friend I love the red shoes you have on." It's very natural and very indirect. 

I must admit that today I have on a very "discussable" outfit: red capri pants, gray shirt, long pearl necklace, pearl bracelet and scarf with cherries on it. I usually do try to wear some type of jewelry when I see her as she loves to discuss it and I find that it is a great way to get her to work on conversational skills.  Well, let me show you so you get the idea...

Apparently, my outfit was key because after we worked together a while, she looked at me and said "Miss. Jennifer I LOVE your red pants" I said "thank you."  She then looked at my scarf and said "Miss. Jennifer I really like that scarf with the cherries and your necklace."  


Wow!


Moral of the story...


Sometimes, the best tool is YOU {try to wear/have something that makes them curious}. It's also WHAT YOU DO day in and day out-the stuff you say/do that you don't think is "sinking in." IT IS. Consistent, small steps is what the therapy/coaching process is all about. 


Now, I'll have to call my accountant and ask if my jewelry and clothes are now considered therapy materials and "tax deductable."  Kidding...sort of. 


Until  next time, keep growing and blooming. 


Jen