There are a lot of things in life that you'd think would be simple, but when asking a child with Autism to do it - well, what you think is so simple may not be.
Case in point, I asked Bug to please start numbering his spelling papers. I would like to see him number from 1-20 and write the words after the numbers. This is pretty standard procedure in any school environment so I figured that even in homeschooling he could manage this small task.
I was met with screams, yells, tears, and his shaking body full of anger.
"What's the big deal?" I asked. "Why won't you just number it?"
And that is when he slammed his finger on a line on the paper and said, "I know that line is number nine already! I don't need to write the number down for me to know that!"
Funny thing is, when I looked without the numbers written I didn't know which line was which - I had to sit there and count it to be sure. And yes, he was correct.
How do I argue with that?
I decided to be firm and told him, "Bug, you need to number the paper. Even if you already know the numbers for each one, I would like it numbered."
I was met again with shaking and screaming and after about a half hour he finally caved and numbered it - all the while letting me know just how upsetting this was for him.
Isn't that special? Ugh.
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34 minutes ago
I wonder if it would work if you told him that YOU do not know that is the ninth line without it being numbered? Honestly, you know I know nothing about this situation. That would work for some kids, but not many.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of it as a way to point out what is super about Bug, to Bug. (((hugs)))
I can only imagine how frustrating that must be for you.
MONK has been having major meltdowns lately too over stupid things.
ReplyDeleteMaybe tell Bug that it is easier for you to grade when the spelling paper is numbered.
Writing for MONK was hard and he tried to do the least amount possible. Maybe that is what Bug was doing.
We struggle with "simple" things like that too. It should be such a little thing, but it's HUGE to him and then I wonder, since we're trying not to "do school" at home if the fight is worth it. Yet, I want him to take direction. Ugh. I don't know if this helps even the tiniest bit...just know what I sympathize!
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