Noah (Name changed for privacy) is a bright and affectionate boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He lives with his parents and older sister. While he has a keen interest in puzzles and music, Noah has significant delays in verbal communication.
Presenting Issues:
- Aggressive Outbursts: Frequent hitting, biting, and throwing objects when frustrated or unable to communicate his needs.
- Social Withdrawal: Difficulty engaging with peers at preschool, often playing alone in a corner and avoiding eye contact.
- Rigidity: Intense distress when routines were changed or when transitioning between activities.
The Challenge
Noah’s parents were exhausted and worried. What started as "terrible twos" tantrums had evolved into aggressive meltdowns that were becoming dangerous for Noah and his family.
Impact at Home & School:
- At Home: The family walked on eggshells. Simple tasks like getting dressed or turning off the TV could trigger a 45-minute meltdown. Noah’s sister was becoming afraid of him, retreating to her room to avoid his outbursts.
- At School: Noah’s preschool teachers were struggling to manage his behaviour. He had been sent home multiple times for biting other children. The school was concerned that they could no longer support him safely in a mainstream classroom.
- Communication Barrier: The root of the issue was clear—Noah knew what he wanted but couldn't say it. His frustration at being misunderstood was manifesting as aggression.
Before therapy, we felt like we were living in a war zone. We didn't know how to reach our son. Now, when he hands me a picture card to tell me he's hungry instead of throwing a plate, I could cry with relief. We have our happy little boy back.
daar Therapy Approach
Noah’s family turned to daar for a lifeline. We implemented a comprehensive positive behaviour support plan focused on giving Noah a voice and teaching him emotional regulation skills.
Key Interventions Implemented:
- Functional Communication Training (FCT): We introduced a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This gave Noah a way to ask for what he wanted (e.g., "juice," "puzzle," "break") without needing words, immediately reducing his frustration.
- Visual Schedules: To address his rigidity, we created a clear visual schedule for both home and school. Knowing exactly what was coming next helped Noah feel safe and reduced anxiety during transitions.
- Socialised Behaviour Therapy: We used play-based sessions to teach social skills. Therapists modeled turn-taking and sharing using Noah’s favourite toys, rewarding him with praise and bubbles for positive interactions.
- Parent Training: We coached Noah’s parents on how to identify the "early warning signs" of a meltdown and intervene with calming strategies before it escalated. They learned to use consistent language and positive reinforcement.
- Sensory Regulation: We created a "calm-down corner" with sensory toys (weighted blanket, fidget spinners) where Noah could go when he felt overwhelmed, teaching him to self-regulate rather than lash out.
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Results and Progress
Over six months, the transformation in Noah’s behaviour and communication was profound. By addressing the root cause of his aggression—the inability to communicate—we unlocked his potential.
Measurable Improvements:
- Reduction in Aggression: Physical aggression incidents dropped from 3-4 times daily to less than once a week.
- Communication Growth: Noah now uses over 50 picture cards independently and has started using single words to request items.
- School Inclusion: Noah is participating in circle time at preschool for up to 15 minutes and has stopped biting completely. The school is no longer considering expulsion.
- Social Connection: He has started to initiate play with his sister, bringing her toys to share rather than snatching them away.
Key Outcomes
Noah’s story is a powerful example of how behaviour therapy for children can change the trajectory of a life.
- Empowerment: Noah is no longer a prisoner of his frustration. He has the tools to express his needs and feelings.
- Family Healing: The fear and tension in the home have been replaced by understanding and connection.
- Future Potential: With his behaviour stabilized and communication growing, Noah is on track for a successful transition to primary school.
reduction in daily aggressive incidents
new communication cards used independently
school suspensions in the last term
Conclusion
Behavioural challenges are often a cry for help. Noah’s journey proves that with the right support, understanding, and socialised behaviour therapy, even the most difficult behaviours can be overcome.
If you are struggling to understand or manage your child's behaviour, daar is here to help. We believe every child deserves the chance to be heard and understood.
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