Setting agendas is the secret to success when parenting a child on the autism spectrum (and probably other special needs children). If you forgot to include running to the store for milk, then you might as well serve the family dry cereal because you are NOT getting the milk unless you're willing to weather the tantrum. This has been my reality for years. Last week, however, I assured Owen he was not going to get a needle at the doctor's office. Then, once there, I realized that I had been wrong. He was scheduled for one. Oh no....
"Owen, I made a mistake. You're getting a needle today." I saw fear flash in his eyes and could actually see the building tantrum. Then. He. Stopped. He took a deep breath, told me he was very afraid, and jumped up on the table. When it was over, he laughed and said, "I was so silly. That didn't hurt at all."
"Owen, I made a mistake. You're getting a needle today." I saw fear flash in his eyes and could actually see the building tantrum. Then. He. Stopped. He took a deep breath, told me he was very afraid, and jumped up on the table. When it was over, he laughed and said, "I was so silly. That didn't hurt at all."