Just joined and have questions

March 6, 2002

I live in Los Angeles County. My son will be 3 in June. He was

diagnosed with autism when I took him for his 2 year physical.

Shortly after I put him on the GFCF diet and he has responded

wonderfully. Most of his little " quirks " are gone, he has wonderful

eye contact, he loves being around people now and is starting to

imitate. He has a few words he uses appropriately but

inconsistently. My greatest concern for him is speech. He has been

at a special needs preschool 5 days per week that focuses on sensory

integration. He loves it there and I believe they are doing a great

job. I put my son's name on a waiting list for ABA last Sept. but no

provider was available. The regional center said there is a company

that does a combination floortime/ABA that was available so I could

use them while I wait for straight ABA. It has been very

dissappointing. I never saw anything done that remotely resembles

ABA. 5 days a week for about 3 months my son was irritated by a

therapist following him around constantly asking him " what are you

doing? " . It never seemed to help him. She quit a month ago and my

son has been so much happier and is talking more than ever before.

The agency has not replaced her or even bothered to call us in the

last month. Now finally there is an opening for ABA! I was told

that they do ABA type therapy with pivotal response.

Now for my questions. What is pivotal response? Has anyone done

floortime and quit to do ABA because it was not working. Were you

happy with the results of the ABA? Since my son turns 3 in June he

will only have 2 1/2 months with this provider before he has to

change to whoever the school district provides. Is that long enough

to see at least a little benefit? Is it worth starting a new therapy

program only to stop is so soon?

Thank you in advance for your help.

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