At-Home Therapy with our Autistic Toddler

[@JasmineJoi]

Hey !! I’m an occupational therapist who practices in early intervention in California. I’m subscribed to your channel and I love what you’re doing with Miko. If you ever have any questions or need assistance/tips or parent education on any OT related concerns (self-help, fine motor, sensory, cognitive, social emotional, feeding) I’d be willing to help at no cost. Blessings to you and your family.💗

[@ladydi-lynn]

OT's do an amazing job with kiddos. I work for an agency in California in Autism Behavior Services, it is great to see OT and Speech Therapy work together to help the kiddos. I have seen amazing results!

[@JasmineJoi]

@@ladydi-lynn Thank you! I agree. I love collaborative therapy with other disciplines such as Speech, PT or BCBAs. Definitely see great progress with a consistent team effort

[@sarahkubagenda9864]

Thank you

[@shedori92]

@jasmineJoi your willingness to share your gifts just made me cry! Thank you for letting God use you in such a mighty way! Blessings to you Jasmine! 🙏🏾 🫶🏾

[@cynthiajubiter6889]

You are a kind soul. God bless. They are just great with their daughter.

[@lauracapaldo1831]

You are right. I worked with my son. He is 29 now works full-time and is a loving human being. She can catch up. He made the honor roll in his last year of high school. You know your child better than anyone.

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

Over the several months that I have been following Mikko's journey, I have noticed that she is much more vocal. The at-home therapy that you are doing with her is benefitting her well right now. Precious and Chris, keep up the good work. ❤

[@Reneesaidit]

Her mimicking the sound of the desk raising up and down was so cute 😂

[@mommybreakdown]

Parenting is a lot of trial and error, and constant adjustments. What loving parents you both are!

[@susancerruti6410]

Her communication skills honestly do seem to be progressing well. I love when she says "thank you".

[@barbarawilson3252]

Since I subscribed there has been great change and growth in Mikko. I was thrilled to hear her saying a few words. I know it's hard but you are doing a great job with her.

[@v.k.2320]

The noises she made when the desk was going up and down was so cute. It is something that I do sometimes too. 😅 when nobody is around 😂

[@margaretmurray5899]

You and your husband is doing a wonderful job. God Bless your family.

[@therapybiz]

The wait time in my area is long too. We are up to 2 years. I’m working with my little one until those services are available. We are on several waitlists and I’m still working my my LO at home while we wait. My LO is also in school (Pre-K) and it’s made a positively significant difference in my LO’s functioning.

[@queendeej29]

Yaay, she’s talking. She sounds so sweet 😊😊😊

[@rebekahjoytaylor8002]

Hi! I'm a paediatric occupational therapist and I just wanted to say that it's so great to see therapy being home-based and parent-led. So much of what we do in OT is to try to educate and support parents so that they can weave therapy into everyday life. There are certainly benefits from an hour's professional therapy, but I believe results are more lasting and effective if therapy is a consistent and seamless part of family life. So I think your approach is great! There's so much online to lead parents through therapeutic approaches these days... and like you say, if you ever needed professional input you'd seek it. Keep going beautiful family! 🎉

[@Sarcasm1855]

That is so funny and cute how she makes the noises on the desk🤣🤣🤣🤣‼️

[@danielson518]

Keep doing what works for your family 💜 just watching it is easy to see all the ways she has grown and continues to grow.

[@hiphoppreacher4real]

Hear, hear!!!

[@susansaphire5983]

I worked in the home with Autistic individuals for a few years and I personally don't think that professional help is always necessary. You are able to deliver her therapy very naturally. You are definitely providing professional level attention and skill building. If you are able to provide your child that one on one attention and she is progressing (which she is beautifully) then there is no harm. ABA isn't always about 'behavioral challenges' it can also teach behaviors that we all engage in each day (utilizing a schedule to get dressed, brush teeth, pack lunch). In addition, ABA focuses alot on the idea of generalization, which is helping individuals to carry over the skills the have to different environments/people/situations. Can be useful, but it isn't the be all end all. Keep it up!!! I am so impressed by your parenting!!

[@jaimiebayman8320]

ADL’s : Daily living skills 😊. I work for a company that assists people with different abilities. We have programs for toothbrushing, etc. You can make up your own programs for Mikko. Just break it down to as many or as few steps as she needs. Ex. 1 grab your toothbrush 2 grab the toothpaste 3 unscrew cap on toothpaste and so on. Same would go for any task that your teaching her. She may do good with picture schedule or picture tasks. Something to try if you think it would benefit her. Or maybe sound buttons that you program in words or saying

[@JasmineJoi]

Yes, I agree. A visual schedule and task analysis would be great for developing her self care skills such as toothbrushing and dressing

[@annettecarter6044]

She is advancing soo well!! Thank you mom and dad for being transparent with Mikko, and her growth as an autistic person!!! You make my heart soar!!!!

[@coastalpink25]

I 💯support you guys' decision to do at home therapy at this stage. The younger years are a pivotal time in a child's development. Watching Mikko's progress over time has been amazing to see with the work you're putting in with her. You're doing an excellent job. It's the "good morning," "Wait," and overall personality for me, lol. Blessings to you guys. 💖

[@zstar8]

Whatever works best for her and ur family! Consistency, an open mind and lots of patience and love!

[@therapybiz]

Keep doing what you’re doing, it’s making a difference! You’re doing great!

[@kathyferrara4444]

I think it is amazing she has siblings too. I am sure they interact with her and that can do nothing but help her. She is so beautiful and I can see how intelligent she is. I know she can do so much and her response to you even though she mimics you. It is just amazing and she is having fun learning. It’s a win win! Bless you all. Keep doing what you are doing. She seems to be thriving!! So exciting for her and you!!

[@JuJuBee223]

This is amazing!! I see so much change in lil Mikko with the eye contact and responding to you and all the words and communication! You all are doing great and this is a blessing!!

[@ILuvAyeAye]

In my experience, ABA with autistic children Mikko's age is all play therapy, and the goals are mostly communication (whether that's verbal words, sign language, or using an AAC device), and looks very similar to what you're already doing! I've got a really great BCBA, who is always emphasizing the child's autonomy, and meeting them where they're at, but also has a lot of really practical advice. If you ever consider ABA, I hope you ask a lot of questions and sit in on a few sessions, because it can look so different in different settings.

[@Thelifeoflexofficial]

My mom suggested getting social security disability for Mikko and you will get medical coverage.And once you apply you will get retroactive money when you get accepted and she will get a check every month .

[@stuff1784]

Can she apply when Mikko is this young though?

[@arsonfrog69__97]

i would definitely recommend speech therapy for her because even though it wasn't my favorite thing it really helped me learn to communicate as a semi-verbal autistic kid. (especially because my parents didn't realize how delayed i was because they got used to my vocal patterns and learned my "language" in a sense.)

[@zaydensvibe5494]

Mikko has definitely had great success and growth on her skill through at home therapy. I agree your methods have been spot on as her parents because you’re disciplined,patient and have the time. Your love and care is the most valuable.

[@nisinisi4627]

Mikko is talking, Wonderful! You and your husband are doing a wonderful job with your children. Mikko is a daddy's girl!!

[@karma9395]

No one can do it better than you, there is so much love and patience..keep doing what you do. God bless your family.

[@ginww3517]

You all are such a beautiful family. I’m love Mikko’s progress…you all are doing an awesome job with Mikko…she’s so adorable.

[@theriaspinner07]

The two of you are doing a great job with her doing the at home therapy. Keep up the great work.

[@michellethiesen7972]

I love how he nonverbally asked before picking her up! It shows he respects her autonomy and it's really rare to see.

[@amywilliams6696]

I have seen her grow she is doing so much better and her talking amazes me to me as a mother whatever works is what's best

[@yeslia2010Godis]

Your beautiful Mikko has progressed so well under your loving ,gentle, patient care.. When I first started watching the way you were with her, i thought you were a teacher!! I absolutely believe that you made the right choice for at home Therapy.. You have done your research, and you know your child better than anyone else.. Loving what you do, will always yield the greatest results!!! Blessed family🧡

[@curiouscat3384]

Very nice explanation. Kudos to you and your husband for researching, learning and having the courage to do a great job on your own. You are obviously both such loving parents and I applaud your decision to be a stay at home mom!

[@RosemaryBernard-z4n]

Can you apply for the affordable heathcare act health insurance.

[@lamagiedisisdeco7908]

You do it very well with Mikko ! And you think about her socialisation too so perfect !! And we ça see how she progresses she says à lot of words now !!

[@Sherrillwilliams-r8g]

I haven been watching long, but what i see with the love, patience and teaching her, especially the grocery shopping with little basket, it seems to working. Shes very young and you are preparing her for her journey. For 3 years old, shes a fast learner. Like my neice and her son, you will know when the professional help is needed❤❤❤😊

[@donnamays8039]

You guys are doing a great job with all 3 of your children. I have seen the progress. 🙏🏾

[@janetmatthews7973]

OH HOW SWEET….IM SO PRAYING FOR THIS BABY AND YOUR FAMILY…..REMEMBER YOU ARE ALRIGHT…. YOU ARE FUNCTIONING AS A NORMAL FAMILY …… I WILL AGREE WITH YOU ON THE THERAPY SESSIONS BUT KEEP DOING RESERCH♥️ ENGAGE WITH HER AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ….. LET HER WATER THE GRASS….PLANT A FLOWER…. PLAY IN THE RAIN ☺️AND TALK AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE And PLEASE STOP SAYING WHAT SHE CANT DO…ALWAYS SPEAK POSITIVENESS😇 MUCH LOVE …..🩸😇♥️👍🏽✌🏽💐🙏🏾♥️

[@lilymbbrown2596]

Mikko looks older than 2 years and I think you guys are doing a fantastic job I see the improvement in her in the last few months , take it one step at a time ...I can hear her in the background....go Mikko 👏👏👏👏👏❤❤

[@JoyJoysWorld]

Awwwww Mikko was enjoying the ride.

[@mazestitching5182]

What Mikko needs the most is a stable home and loving parents that understand her needs and fears. You both clearly love your children very much and that is what matters the most in my humble opinion. Because your children know they can count on you, no matter what. Professional therapy can help a child and can also take some of that heavy responsibility of teaching of the parents shoulders if the child is willing to participade. But if Mikko can not be herself in the presence of others home therapy is propably the better choice for her. As you say, this might change in the future and if she is ready for it you will know. I myself are on the spectrum. Although I only got minor traits I had a very hard time as a child interacting with other people outside my family, this includes school. I do not like to make long eye contact, I can easily get distracted and lost in my own world. I am a very picky eater and I do not like very bright light and loud sounds. Sadly where I come from (Germany) we don´t have the option of homeschooling. Its mandatory to go to a public or private school here. On the other side, we have no problems with paying for therapy, because its all covered by our regular healthcare insurance. Without my mom´s great help, her patience and care I wouldn´t have managed to become what I am today. I am very gratefull to her and I am sure Mikko is too. I am following your channel for a while now (mostly the shorts) and I see Mikko improving on a lot of things. Keep doing what your doing, you are doing it right.

[@Everythingfreshandsassy]

I was asking about Mikko going to the grocery store and shopping! I see here that you already do that with her! I KNOW MIKKO IS SOOOOO SMART! It’s nice you do things like this with Mikko. I know it makes you all and Mikko feel so good about her independence and her accomplishments! This is soooo great!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🥳🥳🥳

[@butterjujunut]

I wish I could be the one to help my son. I do the best that I can but my patience isn't as good as I originally thought it was. And as also my son doesn't "perform" for me. Idk if it's because he feels he's home with Mom he wants to relax and have fun. But when OT comes to the home he's so quick to finish a puzzle, or use sign to interact or even pay attention to the therapists at all etc.

[@karlenespencer8824]

You are doing such a great job, momma, keep it up. Blessings

[@amandaonesix7194]

Watching from the UK. Well done. You guys are an inspiration to families with similar struggles👏🏾👏🏾

[@marybowen1630]

Thank you so much for sharing with us. You’re doing a great job. Mikko is so blessed. Much love to you ❤.

[@stefanienaranjo4477]

Completely agree. My sons get speech therapy. When they go to their reevaluations they don't act like themselves so they assumed they didn't talk at all vs when they're at home with us and their everyday therapist they talk alot. My oldest is supposed to get occupational therapy but prefer it to be at home not in clinic

[@ladydi-lynn]

One of the benefits to do OT in an office is the interaction with their peers.

[@eleanorsmith971]

Meeklo is coming along real good. You parents are doing a fine job helping her along.

[@miakimmons4014]

I’m a speech language pathologist. I totally agree with your decision. I am blessed to work with my special needs children as a stay at home mom/home educator as well.

[@djohnson4938]

Parents are the most knowledgeable about their children and professional help is supplemental. Often times this is reversed where parents are made to feel as though they are not knowledgeable. Your observations about your children and how to meet their needs is on point. I appreciated your comment about how you see Miko's true self at home and how you are able to devote the time needed to provide what she needs which gives you the advantage. I just pray that you have someone who can sit with Miko and the other children to give you and your husband time to relax and recharge.

[@darknlovelyslg]

1. Mikko is progressing well! She's forming sentences and improving overall. ❤❤❤ 2. Check to determine if the children can qualify for disability via the state. Depending on the state, those services will be covered and an insurance plan will be provided.

[@stuff1784]

I’m wondering if Mom doesn’t want to do that bc then she’d have to accept that Mikko may be nonverbal forever…

[@KristinAlayna]

She is so funny. Love her self-expression!

[@awg7068]

You are doing a fantastic job, and we did get outside therapy and we found that the at home sessions were the most productive prior to the start of school.

[@acer8405]

You are so good with her and that's a blessing

[@saudigold50]

Stellar content, beautiful family, lovely, sharp parents 💛✌🏽

[@mdjb49]

She is so adorable!!

[@blossomblooming2990]

Awesome progress with Miko..i cant stop saying that it blows ma mind❤❤😂😂😂

[@misstownes]

I love your decision! Very smart and practical thinking. You are truly a great mom!

[@luraine3273]

She's verbal now😊. Is her talking consistent now? I love your channel❣️. Thx you for sharing your journey 🕊

[@Urteil164]

I'm proud of you momma

[@SociallyChrissyTV]

Love this video. In regards to insurance look into state insurance. Here in michigan and a few other states once the kids are diagnosed by a doctor the state will provide insurance. My daughter is also on the spectrum and life skills were game changing. Love everything you’re doing.

[@marygarcia456]

She is absolutely adorable 🥰

[@LashondaLee-in7gc]

Awesome mommy and daddy 💐 🤩

[@reginahoggan227]

Miko is doing so well. I can see her one day joining in a conversation with a full sentence.

[@AshleyMartin-kk8pv]

My son is the same age as Mikko and gets early intervention but watching your videos makes me want to try to use your method. All of his EI therapists tell me that I’m already on the right track with him and he’s progressed so much in the 3 months of his Early intervention. I’d love any tips you might have on how to go about it. I always homeschool him. I did see similar parts of what you saw with them not seeing everything that he is capable of doing but I do love that they ask me what he does when they’re not around and they let him be himself.

[@legendarymayormarylikestur8874]

🙌🙌🙌 If your child works best with you, feel free to work with them 🙌🙌🙌 If your child does best with professional interventions, go that path. It is truly what works for your child. I was blessed to work from home and home schooled. It is just what worked for our family.

[@KristinAlayna]

Yes. Safe Space! That's very important for me.

[@torrimccluney4602]

Awwwww she's growing up 💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@65hottee]

Mikko is doing so well. Keep doing what you’re doing. Right now if it’s not broke don’t fix it. 😉

[@valeriamilner5185]

Mikko surely has progressed very well thanks to Mom and Dad. Unfortunately as African-Americans we must be mindful of professional biases and prejudices when dealing with ALL professions especially in the mental health sector be it for children or adults. We need more Black professionals in health and mental health

[@ivyteacherwilson]

You're right!

[@TheAlchemist11]

Why you gotta bring up race everything’s about race come on now

[@valeriamilner5185]

@@TheAlchemist11YES … otherwise even you can be institutionalized because of a prejudiced professional’s blatant negligence and biased misdiagnoses. There’s plenty of documented history of prejudice medical professionals atrocities, misconduct and misdiagnoses of African American women, men and children. So YES INDEED we, including white parents of adopted Black children or of mixed raced children must be mindful of and sensitive to racial biases in the healthcare fields. Bottom line is keep an open mind and don’t jeopardize yours or your love ones wellness by putting it in the hands of a racist sadist.

[@rhodagibbs3046]

Do they have We Rock The Spectrum gym in your area? We have it in DFW area. My grandson loves to go there.

[@chastidymann4370]

Yes. It absolutely works.

[@TheAlchemist11]

Your doing amazing ❤ just make sure she doesn’t play you. She is smart as a whip❤

[@angmel3838]

Very interesting video, you and your husband have a great attention and this reassures Mikko a lot, especially in the management of his emotions. As a clinical psychologist, I find your playful method good. Mikko is progressing well in terms of language. For the moment, this therapy at home is very good for her because it is adapted to the needs of your child who follows you well. Entering school will compensate for what you put in place, but if it progresses within an acceptable limit but not in clear progress, it will be necessary to have recourse to professionals.

[@its.kieeeee]

ABA is highly effective when parents are involved. I applaud you two as parents for how patient and loving and knowledgeable you are 😁. As a ABA therapist myself I love your channel and definitely hear your viewpoint. Professional therapy can be helpful but I also wish more parents understood that the same things we do in the clinic setting parents can implement the same things at home. I love it. ❤

[@ladydi-lynn]

I work in the field and agree with ABA therapy, including early intervention.

[@michellethiesen7972]

Just because it's effective doesn't mean it's right. You should listen to autistic adults when they discuss their experiences and how ABA has affected them. The mere fact that it was invented by the same man who invented gay conversion therapy should be enough to give anyone pause. It's outdated and has been shown to be harmful. 80% of adults who go through ABA develop PTSD later. I'm sure you mean well and I don't think you're a bad person and I'm not trying to say anything like that. But forcing a kid to do the same (sometimes uncomfortable or even physically painful) task over and over and rewarding them when they do (for 40 hours a week) is not okay. Frequently that reward is food or a toy. That's literally how I train my dog. it's not therapy it's obedience training. Autistic people aren't dogs and we shouldn't be treated like dogs. Training us out of stimming (which is self soothing behavior), training us to tolerate tags, loud noises, and other stimuli that's painful for us as autistic people, forcing us to talk when we don't want to or when it's uncomfortable instead of teaching our families to accommodate our needs doesn't help us. It just makes us easier to deal with while ignoring our needs. Also training any child (autistic or otherwise) to blindly obey an adult even when doing so is uncomfortable or painful for them can put them at risk of being victimized by predators. Not only that but autistic people are already at risk of having an unhealthy relationship with food and so rewarding an autistic kid with food can cause disordered eating later in life. It's just really harmful long term, and people need to look at the big picture not just the immediate effects.

[@veldorawilson5412]

YOU ARE VERY SELF EDUCATED PLEASE CONTINUE WHAT YOU👏👏👏 WERE IS TV LAND WHY HAVEN'T SOMEONE INVITED YOU ON A SHOW

[@freezo244]

Too bad there’s not an agency or practice that would walk this road with you, a professional-that you trusted-that you’d see once every 1-2 months for questions, corrections, encouragement. Keep up the good work 👌🏼

[@Jerriphillips504]

Love you all

[@Godisamazing7]

Since she's diagnosed you can get a Medicaid waiver I believe to cover therapy costs.

[@kat1984]

Healthcare and various therapies are ridiculously expensive here in the US. I hope that changes.

[@Izzy-cp8yt]

I saw this, too, working in the public school system. The "professional" made the student that I was supporting worse. He would be completely dysregulated after every session and was on edge and afraid. When I worked with him using what I knew about him specifically rather than what the BCBA told me to use, and while he feared her, he considered me a friend, and for exactly that reason he was more successful with my techniques than with here. She wanted to train him like a dog, and punish him harshly if he didn't comply. I met him with explanations and compromise - you want to do X, and we can do that after we do Y. Because he trusted, rather than feared me, and I wasn't afraid to make thing enjoyable for him whenever and however possible, he was more successful. And it makes sense! It's much easier to learn when you feel safe, loved, and it's at least somewhat enjoyable. It's definitely possible for some kids to "catch up", though not all do. Either way, clearly Mikko is happy, loved, and learning, which is the best way for a child to be.

[@reneesaucier1059]

Great job Mom and Dad 👍🏾

[@grammytammy9004]

With a diagnosis of ASD2, isn't she eligible for Medicare?

[@Java-D]

Working with a child at home, in every day life is so beneficial! We also never chose aba for our son. He is 8 and does do child led OT and play therapy (CBT) where he works through his anxiety. I think anything child led is the way to go. Kids learn better when it’s something that interests them and when they are taught and allowed to have autonomy and to listen to their bodies. 😊

[@gloriaellison2952]

She going great you and your husband are going a great job raising your family

[@megan893]

Why not do both. Try in home therapy while you're on a wait-list for professional therapy? This way if what you're doing isn't enough, she doesn't have to wait an additional 15 months. For doing it yourself in home, I highly recommend "Turn Autism Around". It'll help you do your own evaluations based on current standards. My daughter started ABA a year ago. She does 5 two hour sessions a week. She's gone from going entire days only saying a few words to me, that only I understood, to saying 5-8 words sentences to anybody, speaking up for herself and learning to say no which was important she learn before starting school. Good luck 🤞

[@sarahleejeffries8044]

Far as insurance i have blue cross blue shield as a secondary insurance for my daughter. I live in Texas too now. My daughter has autism as well and she gets SSI and medicaid which covers all her therapies meds and a number of other things. Also any specialist and testing needed is covered as well. Your daughter automatically will be approved for these things because of her autism diagnoses.

[@feliciapotter7714]

My grandson is scared of heights. We can't get him to sit on the counter.

[@successwithkatira]

Why would you want him to sit on the counter tho

[@KristinAlayna]

I wish my parents were as conscious as you. How do you all live without insurance? Medical care is so expensive. Does he not get it as a veteran? I think society focuses too much on the limitations of Autism rather than the unique potential of each individual.

[@brendacarter4098]

She is doing great .

[@kstayblessed]

Can parents get in trouble with DHS if they refuse ABA therapy?

[@ondramcleod5148]

I think you and Dad are doing great! Her progress is on point. Is she eligible for social security/ disability? That could help with accessing services.

[@brittanisteward218]

What a pretty babyyyyy❤❤❤

[@crazydaisyminds3597]

What toys do you use to teach her? I saw a mat that had padded objects that she would put in the matching pocket. What is that?

[@veronicajackson2373]

Great job❤

[@IzabelKhouri]

I'm an RBT I do ABA. Being on the spectrum let alone with significant "impairments" in the eyes of science, qualifies you for disability. The main benefit of which being medicaid/healthchoice for Mikko. This would get her as much therapy as she needs, on our tax dollars, where it should be going.

[@phillisob]

I absolutely love Mikko. My little is exactly one week older and says WAY fewer words. We've had multiple therapies for 1.5 years and my mom and I work with her all day long. It's so interesting to me that Mikko is given the non-verbal label and mine isn't; I wonder if it's because there isn't an autism diagnosis as well in our case.

[@cherellrelle]

Mikkkoooòoo hey pretty babyy❤

[@karenlias6880]

I wanna see more videos with the twins and their progress . You only focus on Mikko

[@paigealsup1031]

Was wondering if you guys had issues w getting baby girl diagnosed? My son is non verbal 3 year old… he is autistic but I live in a small town that refuses to diagnose before 3 and insists bc he likes certain people he is “too social to be diagnosed “… I realize I may have to go to a bigger city and am willing to do what it takes to get the therapy he needs. Have you guys looked into hippotherapy? It had a dramatic impact on my sons gross motor delay… we went 1x a week for 12 sessions total and his gross motor was 35% originally, now after post testing it’s only 5% delay. Fine motor was 22% originally, now at 9% . I couldn’t believe how profound of a difference it made.