I had completed my training for behavior Therpist. However, I still dont have time to do my observation.

4th March 2006, 11th March 2006
My first training for behavior therpist for autism children. To me, it seems more like a discussion rather than training. There was a mother, Maria, whose child was a autism child. There was a section where we watched a video of the sessions. It was really saddening. I nearly cried. However, we have to be prfessional. Hence, I hold back my tears.

The method they use on autism children was called applied behavior analysis. One of the characteristics of autism children was long term memory. There was a case where a autism child refused to enter into the classroom. He would shout and scream everyday. In the end, the parents enrolled him into a special school. Then they realised that the reason behind the shouting and screaming was the date. The date on the blackboard. The teacher from the normal school would go into the classroom everyday to write the date on the blackroom. To the child, the date should be the same. Hence, he thought something was wrong.

They had came up with picture cards, toys and etc to aid autism children to express themselves and to maintain their daily life. There were also children who recovered from autism. However, the percentage was not high. Every week, the autism child would have to sit up to 40 hours with the therpist. The therpist would guide the child the right way to behave, read and express their thoughts. With the help of compics (picture cards), they learn maths, vocabulary and grammar. Trust me, they are quite at it. At times, there would be blocks, matching and word association. The hardest part I guess would be when the child start to scream and throw stuff. We as therpist have to ignore all the actions and continue with the session.

11 March 2006
It was the Agape Lounge (so called social night). There were band, coffee, food and dancing. It was quite interesting. Oh my god. Luckily, Uncle David ( the owner of the place) was not there. Or else, I think none of us would enjoy ourselves. He is a very nice guy. But I guess, with adults around, it would not be as fun. I will upload the pictures after my exams (next week is my exams, Haiz). There were a group of country kids (Teenages who stay in the adelaide hills). They were really funny. There was a guy who look like 30 but he is only turning 18.

Alright. I think it is time for me to continue with my assignment. I have to finish before Monday. Jia You :)