new member - 18mth twins with autism in Melbourne Australia

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Thanks guys it is so great to hear from others who have had an early diagnosis and to hear about your philosophies. I am feeling very empowered by the idea that my research and also my intuition about how best to approach things with the girls is going to resonate with them.

Pdtwinmom I definitely agree with you about music. I sung a lot to them in the past - now I am more judicious with how and when as I have learnt they really like incy wincy spider and I can use it to encourage eye contact (by pausing singing when they look away - eye contact doesn't seem to be a sensory issue for them just something it hasn't occured to them is rewarding). Using music is a big component of the ESDM sensory social routine / people games approach and I'm working with my OT students to get a small list of songs going that the girls can enjoy and learn what to expect so that we can build in turn taking. I've also just ordered a rhythm tree dvd/cd pack for special neeeds that might be interesting and my speechie is going to run a small music class for holly and kate and two other ASD kids next term which will be great fun. One of my OT students has a special interest in music therapy so she is going to come along and I am encouraging her to feel some ownership of how we explore music which she is very excited about.

This week I was really pushing my students to learn how to settle the girls when they were crying so that they could go straight into one on one time and I could have one on one time with the other.. It was making everyone uncomfortable. I went back to the ESDM therapists guide and we tried having all four of us together inside where I've got a mini tramp, mini slide and ball pit, bean bags etc and just hanging back and narrating their play, imitating, and inserting ourselves where appropriate and it was much better so I just need to accept I can't force the girls into one on one with new people (especially three new people) straight away.

It has been a really big fortnight for us as last week the therapists had their first sessions and we had two paed visits and got our diagnosis, my mum was in a massive accident and is in ICU in another state (but I can't possibly go as the girls can't be left and they definitely can't come with me), much longer therapy sessions this week and all the new equipment I have ordered arriving and waiting to be assembled this weekend. It has been cold and rainy and miserable and I am so ready for the good weather that's going to hit us next week and getting those girls outside. Finding out that we will have latrobe training my OT students and supervising us has been absolutely amazing news to cap it all off.

I have nothing to add to this discussion except to say that I am really impressed with your attitude, instinct, ability to learn quickly, and dedication. Your girls are very lucky to have you.

I am glad you have found people here to engage with.

thankyou DW that is so lovely.

I watched a beautiful floortime video on the weekend
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQW4TncfP7g

I was wondering if anyone else has any videos to recommend online?

And also, crucially.. for those who have really invested themselves into a play based therapy approach, any tips for managing/allocating your energy? Our in laws have just given us a bit of money towards our therapy and I am going to use that to have two therapists attend one afternoon a week so I can get a little break, which is a start.. But looking after two toddlers and a household has been draining enough and now the therapy itself is so intense - plus I'm wanting to find more energy to engage more deeply during the times we're not doing therapy (and to get them more accustomed to the tv being off).

So far I"ve started making dinner for two nights at once so I only cook dinner three nights a week and on the seventh night we have takeaway. But haven't really figured out much else!!

Hi Reesan. That's great news about the financial support! Every bit helps, and as you already know, the bills add up quickly. As for therapy energy, the only advice that I can give is to not do active therapy all of the time. With a play-based approach, your interaction style will automatically change to one that is beneficial for the children, which is therapeutic in and of itself. Every moment doesn't have to be spent on the floor with them - I actually think it's better if it isn't. On this journey, there is a real risk of your children becoming "projects" or "patients" even in your own eyes. I've found it helpful to leave time to just be mom, cooking dinner, reading a book, whatever, and let my kids just be my kids for those moments in the day. Normalcy is okay, and therapeutic too, for all parties involved!