Autism Case Study: Naturalistic Approach Helps 3-Year-Old With Autism Go With the Flow and Build Healthy Relationships
Once on the verge of being expelled from preschool, Rami develops a healthy skillset for continuing on to kindergarten. Chris’s pulse quickened, his pupils dilated, and his hands sweat. It was time to get Rami to transition from breakfast to getting dressed so he could make it to preschool on time. Chris knew that one wrong move could set off a tantrum that would end in tears and thrown toys. His wife Jenny watched from across the kitchen as Chris made his attempt. Forty-three seconds later Rami was running to his nerf gun to toss it across the room. Outside Chris and Jenny’s house, life was normal. People commuted to work. Gardeners mowed lawns. Kids got on buses. Red lights turned green and the breeze kept everybody chilly. Inside Chris’s and Jenny’s house, life was not normal. Rami had recently been diagnosed with autism. His challenges included: Chris and Jenny worried that Rami might not even make it through preschool… let alone high school. They were concerned that Rami may never have healthy relationships or a career. They walked on eggshells around Rami trying not to provoke another fit. Chris and Jenny also felt conflicted about giving into Rami’s demands all the time and allowing him to be so rigid.
The Day Everything Changed
In October 2018, Chris and Jenny enrolled Rami in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy with Positive Pathways. We started by sending a therapist to preschool with Rami to help him learn to navigate social situations, teach him new communication skills, and gently increase his ability to be flexible. We also worked on a lot of role-playing to sharpen Rami’s social skills. We would then arrange for real-life practice with peers. The results were impressive. Rami is now: Chris and Jenny are looking forward to Rami’s entrance into kindergarten next year… without a therapist. He has developed the social skills and flexibility to give it a go on his own. Chris and Jenny envision a future of normal birthday parties, play dates, and field trips with other kids in kindergarten. As therapists, we are happy to see our naturalistic teaching approach work so effectively across the rich tapestry of Rami’s life- at preschool, at home, at the mall, in restaurants, in the car, and at the park.
The Secret to Rami’s Success
So, what was it that helped Rami grow so much in less than one year? How did he end up on a trajectory to live a much fuller and happier life? One element is seeing each child as a holistic individual with their own strengths, weaknesses, and ways of communicating. But the most important factor that helped Rami is the fact that his parents took action and got the help they needed. They appreciated that the longer you wait to get help, the longer it takes to help your child. They decided that they didn’t want to stall or delay or look into it “someday.” Now look where Rami is.
There’s Hope for Every Child
Imagine train tracks that stretch all the way to the horizon. If you alter the course of those train tracks just a couple of degrees, they will end up miles away from where they point now. ABA therapy is about helping your child change direction now, so they end up at a totally different destination in the future. By helping children with autism learn the communication, social, and life skills they need, we can help them live more independently for the rest of their lives. There is hope for every child.
Now It’s Your Turn
Would you like to get help for your child? Our team of highly experienced professionals has many decades of combined experience helping kids with autism. We can look at ways to address whatever is on your mind, including: Here’s What to do Next Towards the top of this page there is a form for you to fill out to get in touch. After you fill out the form, you will be shown a booking calendar where you can choose a time to talk.