Post by milesofsmiles on Jun 27, 2005 8:34:13 GMT -5
Nathan is extremely shy, and has difficulty asking friends to play with him. He thinks they don't like him, but if he never asks he will never develop that skill. Our thrapist has encouraged us to push him to develop that skill. First by modeling it, then having him ask. So everytime he wants to play with the neighbors he wants me to do all the talking. So for about a half dozen times I went along with him, stood by his side and waited for him to initiate contact. After about 30 seconds of awkward silence I would speak up and ask.
Yesterday he wanted me to go and ask again. I figured after 6 times he would be able to handle it. He froze up in a panic attack. He got angry at me called me names... then something amazing happened. He went over there on his own and stood outside their door. That all, just stood there. The kids then had to guess why he was standing there and what he wanted, because the fear still had his tongue. I guess they figured it out because they all came running back with their towels and swimming suits.
It was tough watching him struggle like that, but the first step is always the toughest.
Miles
Yesterday he wanted me to go and ask again. I figured after 6 times he would be able to handle it. He froze up in a panic attack. He got angry at me called me names... then something amazing happened. He went over there on his own and stood outside their door. That all, just stood there. The kids then had to guess why he was standing there and what he wanted, because the fear still had his tongue. I guess they figured it out because they all came running back with their towels and swimming suits.
It was tough watching him struggle like that, but the first step is always the toughest.
Miles
