Feb 02, 2016
From right to left: Charles volunteering in a commercial day care kitchen environment; receiving a celebratory high five from support staff members BB and AP; rolling dough out to make homemade scones from scratch during baking activities, and proudly showing off the morphed Dino Charge and Plesiocharge Mega Zord action figures he successfully saved up for over multiple weeks.
In spring of 2015 Charles struggled significantly with transitions involving key staff changes. These staffing transitions occurred both at Framework for Life day programming and at his residential home environment. His way of coping with the stress was to establish rigid behavioral rules that would give him environmental control. For example, he demanded he must be picked up at exactly 1:30 pm each day. He also required that he must be able to watch the Price is Right television program at precisely 11:00 am. If there was any slight change to his established daily routine on any given day he would become verbally or physically aggressive toward staff and peers. He would also neglect his personal hygiene during these stressful periods.
It was clear the transition of new support staff affected Charles deeply on an emotional and behavioral level. Charles' interdisciplinary support team including his Framework for Life mentor, behavioral specialists, the assistant manager and service manager worked tirelessly to formulate the most effective person-centered plan possible. This comprehensive plan would help Charles construct his daily world more positively. The plan would also empower him to better handle future transitions and environmental changes. With coordinated changes to his prescribed medication, visual scheduling guides to help him prepare for upcoming events and routine changes, and a consistent behavioral intervention plan followed at both Framework for Life and at his residential home, Charles has been able to thrive emotionally and face each day with a positive smile.
One innovative technological approach the support team developed was having Charles use a PVR recording device to record his favorite television shows for later viewing. Charles never misses watching a preferred show using this system. He now has the freedom and flexibility to watch recorded episodes anytime throughout his day. Charles has even gained the personal confidence to ride the public transit system independently for community access. He leaves the Framework for Life programming facility every day at his preferred departure time of 1:30 pm.
We are happy to report that Charles has not displayed any aggressive behavior toward staff or peers since September 2015. Now, Charles is excelling in his meaningful volunteer role baking and food preparation in a commercial kitchen environment. He is developing positive social relationships with his peers and support staff members. He can successfully save enough money over a 5-week budgeting period to purchase desired toys and collectibles. In January, he participated in bowling activities for the first time in 9 months. He received enthusiastic high-fives from the entire Treehouse Framework for Life team for his efforts and positive attitude during the recreational activity. At his residential home, he is getting along well with his roommate and maintaining positive relationships. He is earning a small monetary reward system for completing daily hygiene tasks independently.
