Hi there,
You say Zeke is prone to 'random fits and tantrums'. I think from what you say afterwards and in a later posting that you're already on the right track in recognising when these meltdowns occur and more importantly, what precedes them.
It may be helpful if, after each occurence, you can look back and analyse what led up to it and look for any 'triggers', even to the point of noting environmental factors too. Something in his environment, eg. temperature, lighting or noise, may be causing him some distress, perhaps unconciously, and make him more likely to 'explode'. Write things down if necessary so you can refer back.
Look not just at the behaviour but at all the contingencies around it. You may begin to find patterns that help you to recognise when it's likely to occur and then perhaps you can use strategies to circumvent it.
Some ideas which might help: a timer that he sets himself if, say, he has to finish an activity in 5 minutes, perhaps he can be responsible for telling you when his timer has gone off - another chance for him to earn praise; a chart where he earns a reward for a set number of eg. stickers rather than a reward each time; planning his day, with his input, and sequencing this with pictures on a board; giving him advance warning of any changes; setting up a safe 'chill out' place, with his input and explaining why he needs to use this at times.
Catch him being good and never forget the power of praise, it doesn't need to be for anything earthshattering.
Good luck - you sound to be doing a good job and I'm sure things will improve with time.
20 Jul 2008, 4:45 pm
