It is tough training an autistic child. It doesn't bother him if he is wet. He doesn't care what people think of his urine-soaked shorts. He is fine being a "baby." James doesn't work for rewards either. He was a handful when he started ABA, which is based on rewards, at age two. So, instead, I tried taking away desirable things. Now he no longer cares about going for walks. He has lost interest in lollipops. No TV? No music? I will read books. No books? I will play with balls. No toys? I will sit in my bed and stare out the window. It is hard to believe the tenacity of this kid. But he is mine and those stubborn genes came from somewhere. If anyone is going to be able to wait him out, it is, unfortunately, me. Finally a job that is tailor-made for me and only me! Woo-hoo! It is not what I dreamed of or imagined, but the rewards of helping to create an independent kid - able to function in the world on his own - are more than worth it.
