We hit a milestone in our family, I would say, by finally getting an occupational therapist onboard with our home-based learning, and healing plans. With her help we have been able to navigate through the worst days by incorporating social skills activity, gross motor play, and music. This may sound rather basic of preschool and childcare settings, but our struggle has been that, a) he does really only respond well to level tones of voice, enthusiasm and confidence.. otherwise GTFO haha, b) his other sensory challenges and social avoidance has made it hard for us to incorporate him into these things on our own...and last but not least c) his older brother developed a significant intolerance to all things related to dance, and music. Since we had seen such amazing engagement with his little brother when it came to music, where he would walk away from something he got lost in thought on, and would easily and smoothly transition back into the world again... I never let go of that amazement, and now we have some serious support on the sensory, and emotional side!
A few times a day at least I do something involving music, and I don't have to separate them as to avoid triggering a serious response out of 'D'. Where we hit stumbling blocks is if 'D' is feeling antisocial which often happens as a result of his diet issues. We also have been able to incorporate seasonal music into day to day activities, and its okay that I sing along!
Playing london bridge, ring-around-the-rosey, etc.. is amazing for social skills with 'A' he is learning how to initiate interactions and of course, good behaviour, how to be gentle, and what is needed for back and forth nonverbal communication to get across clearly. Of course, as much social play as possible is a great thing!
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