Lee was a 19-year-old man who presented with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder and associated challenging behaviour. Lee had no apparent way of communicating his needs other than taking staff by the hand or attempting to get things for himself.
On many occasions Lee was observed to become particularly frustrated when he was not able to indicate his wishes. This frustration was evident through physical damage to property within his house as well as to himself. Lee was highly motivated by watching videos and would attempt to dismantle the video cupboard in frustration to find what he wanted.
When ITS became involved with Lee, it quickly became apparent that he had some excellent communication strengths and was motivated to get his needs met.
Lee demonstrated ability to recognise photos, symbols and written words. After spending time identifying with staff, if Lee could read with real understanding, we confirmed that written words were Lee’s preferred communication method.
Very quickly a drink and snack choice board was set up and Lee learnt to communicate his choice by taking the written word off the choice board to give to staff.
Lee still became very frustrated in waiting for staff to find his preferred video choice. We therefore introduced a WAIT card. Lee identified his preferred video which staff then placed on his wait card. Holding the wait card gave Lee a positive focus whilst staff located the video. Very few escalations in behaviour occurred from that point and Lee now is able to make his needs known across a range of settings.
It is incredible to think that Lee has gone through a quarter of his life without others recognising his skills. Success stories such as Lee’s are not in isolation - every day young people with learning disabilities are often having choices made for them, because they are perceived to be unable to communicate effectively themselves.
By working with staff and family that know the clients well, ITS therapists believe that doors can be opened by staff to reveal new abilities in all clients.
On many occasions Lee was observed to become particularly frustrated when he was not able to indicate his wishes. This frustration was evident through physical damage to property within his house as well as to himself. Lee was highly motivated by watching videos and would attempt to dismantle the video cupboard in frustration to find what he wanted.
When ITS became involved with Lee, it quickly became apparent that he had some excellent communication strengths and was motivated to get his needs met.
Lee demonstrated ability to recognise photos, symbols and written words. After spending time identifying with staff, if Lee could read with real understanding, we confirmed that written words were Lee’s preferred communication method.
Very quickly a drink and snack choice board was set up and Lee learnt to communicate his choice by taking the written word off the choice board to give to staff.
Lee still became very frustrated in waiting for staff to find his preferred video choice. We therefore introduced a WAIT card. Lee identified his preferred video which staff then placed on his wait card. Holding the wait card gave Lee a positive focus whilst staff located the video. Very few escalations in behaviour occurred from that point and Lee now is able to make his needs known across a range of settings.
It is incredible to think that Lee has gone through a quarter of his life without others recognising his skills. Success stories such as Lee’s are not in isolation - every day young people with learning disabilities are often having choices made for them, because they are perceived to be unable to communicate effectively themselves.
By working with staff and family that know the clients well, ITS therapists believe that doors can be opened by staff to reveal new abilities in all clients.
