Today was a community outing. We caught the 750 Express bus by walking down to Woodley to Universal, then hopped the tram up to CityWalk, arriving around 11:15am. All of your kids were given $15 to spend, with the caveat that they had to check purchases with the counselors. For many, the first purchase when they exited the bus was a bottle of water (drinking fountains are apparently unacceptable).
They are a really well-behaved group, so that allows us to focus on problem-solving, conversations with others, and quick decision-making. Some of the kids have a habit of saying "I need...." as though that is the same as making a request. Initially, we treated as though they did, in fact, make a request. But now we've upped the ante. When they make a request in that manner, we let them know "I need" tells us they have a problem, but doesn't solve it. They pretty quickly figure out that, to have their need met, they need to ask.... politely, wait for a response, make eye contact, make sure they didn't interrupt, etc. For a simple interaction, it produces quite a bit of positive behavior.
Another area we've been focusing on has to do with sensory reactions. I realize that some of your teens state that they are bothered by loud noises, many people are. But, after observing them carefully, I've come to the conclusion that all of them who make such complaints are highly specific in the kinds of noises they (over)react to. Hunching shoulders, hands flying up to their ears, grimaces, even screams, only seem to occur at certain times. For example, we have walked from the office to Gelsons or nearby restaurants when loud noises have occurred... no reaction. Other times, Sophie barking in the office for example (fortunately rare) produces a mixed reaction. Watching movies or working on technology in the office... almost never produces a reaction. So, we've intervened in the following manner. 1) We explain that we understand noises can be bothersome, but ask that they react in a less extreme and obvious way; 2) We explain that we never want them to tolerate a noise, such as a passing siren, that is truly painful or bothersome. But, we suggest they cup their ears in a more casual manner, avoid hunching shoulders, not scream or shout in reaction, and just let the experience pass. 3) We have started reward their lessened/non-reactions with blue and hero tickets.
I'm pleased to say that all of the kids who display such sensitivity (about 4 in group) have shown improvements during our sessions. So, if you have observed your child engaging in this type of behavior, perhaps give one of these strategies a try and let me know how it works.
Back to CityWalk. After some shopping, we had lunch at a pizza place next to the movie theatres. Worked very smoothly. The part I enjoy seeing the most is when they just "hang out" looking like... teenagers, talking to each other.
Back to the tram, down the hill, a run for the bus (yes, I led all of them in the wrong direction... oops). Back to Woodley, back to the office, a little time on LUNCH Points playing video games, and... that ended a pretty full day.
