Kristyn Crow's comments

Discipline and the Special Needs Child: An Act of Love - Blog Entry

27 Jan 2009 09:41 AM

You may need to type out the link. These auto-links that appear in the text of blogs and comments drive me insane. Anyway, it's my December 29th, 2005 blog in the "Behavior and Discipline" category of Special Needs.

Discipline and the Special Needs Child: An Act of Love - Blog Entry

27 Jan 2009 09:36 AM

As a toddler, my autistic son had violent tantrums that kept me a prisoner in my home. The extinction technique worked like a miracle. It totally transformed him, but I had to be dilligient and consistent without exception. It was tricky at first, but as I remained consistent my son's behavior changed drastically. I wrote a blog about this technique called, "When Your Child Throws a Tantrum in Public: 4 Steps to Regain Control." (If the link doesn't work, cut and paste this into your browser:

http://special-needs.families.com/blog/whenyourchildthrowstantrumsinpubli

Read the steps very carefully. If it could work for my son, who had screaming rages and barely spoke, I believe it could work for any child. Good luck, and let me know what happens.

Ten Signs that Your Spouse may be Cheating - Blog Entry

07 Oct 2008 06:29 AM

I totally disagree. Marriage counseling sessions can be a great way to reconnect, face difficult topics in a safe setting, and hear each other's point of view. A marriage counselor can guide your communication so that it's constructive, rather than destructive, which is important when things start to break down. No marriage is perfect and when times get tough, seeking outside help is not only a good idea, it's vital. I know many couples who have sought counseling and later said it was a very positive experience, and even saved their marriage.

Friends are fine, but "friends" of the opposite sex who monopolize your spouse's time are inappropriate. A real friend doesn't interfere with someone's marriage, and no married person should confide in a friend rather than their spouse.

And there's nothing wrong with looking over a cell phone bill. In fact, private detectives recommend it when you're suspicious something is going on. In most cases, when you have a gut feeling that your spouse is up to no good--you're probably right. That's not paranoia, it's your own instinct. Although, if you check things out and come up with nothing, you might want to explore what else is going on in the relationship that seems off, and why your trust for your spouse has diminished.

Sensory Integration Dysfunction: What is Vestibular Disorder? - Blog Entry

24 Jul 2008 05:14 PM

Thank you--I appreciate the compliment. I've had a son hospitalized several times in the last month, which has made me pull back a bit from writing these. If Families.Com hasn't lost patience with me, I hope to get back to it soon.

Welcome Parents of Special-Needs Children! - Blog Entry

13 Jul 2008 11:29 AM

What a wonderful, devoted mother you are, and this little girl is richly blessed to have you. I truly appreciate your comments and welcome you to leave them anytime. I've been a bit preoccupied lately (my son was just released from a second hospital stay) but I hope to add more here soon.

COOL DADDY RAT by Kristyn Crow - Blog Entry

13 Jul 2008 11:26 AM

Hi Alexis - if you visit my website at www.kristyncrow.com, it has my contact information. Or I can email you through the families.com site. Thank you for including me in this.

"My Son Has Juvenile Diabetes and Autism." A Mother's Interview - Blog Entry

15 Apr 2008 07:11 PM

Joanna, this topic just keeps getting more and more interesting. I'm sure there must be a link of some kind. Maybe we should find a way to band together...those of us who parent children or siblings with both conditions. Anyone out there want to connect?

FLOOR TIME: Promoting Logical Thinking - Blog Entry

09 Mar 2008 10:29 PM

I'm so glad this blog has helped you. Please keep in touch and let us know how things are going.

When Your Child Throws a Tantrum in Public: 4 Steps to Regain Control - Blog Entry

28 Feb 2008 10:09 PM

Hi Christina--this is a tough, frustrating, tiring, overwhelming thing to go through. I feel your pain. I remember when my son had tantrums that made me feel imprisoned in my home. I hated taking him anywhere in public. I tell ya though, the ignoring technique above worked, and this was for a child who had limited speech and cognitive delays. So I think it could work for any child. I would try it, especially if you've had a little success already. However, you've got to be ABSOLUTELY CONSISTENT. If your child screams, you do NOT respond or make eye contact. Period. No matter how frustrated you are, you do not speak to him while he screams or cries. Then, the minute he speaks calmly you instantly respond with intense focus, interest, and reward him with whatever he wants (within reason). If he starts to scream again, go back into ignoring mode. Use his behavior as the switch to turn your ignoring mode off and on. Remember it will get worse before it gets better, and you'll think it's not working. He'll test the parameteres. Stick to it like a machine. Stick to it. I never thought it could work for my son in a million years, but it did.

I'd also have your son evaluated. Start with your pediatrician and if he or she dismisses your concerns, get a new one. Tell the doctor you are think the tantrums seem extreme and that you're worried something else is going on. My son was diagnosed with autism at age two. So there are experts out there who can evaluate children and give you their insight about what might be going on. There are so many possibilities. It could be ADHD, autism, or he could have a sleep disorder that makes him so exhausted he feels cross and angry all day long. Is he able to communicate with words? How is he verbally? If his language is right on par with other three-year-olds, I'd look more closely at ADHD, sleep disorders, food allergies, etc. If his language is delayed, that's a sign that there may be something cognitive going on, like autism, or maybe a speech impairment. Children who can't articulate their needs get frustrated and scream. You've got to know what's going on in order to help your son. If there's an underlying problem, you can treat it once you know what it is. It's also possible he's just a master manipulator, and the tantrums have been getting him something he wants.

In the mean time, get some ear plugs. Ignore the screaming, as long as he's not hurting himself or anyone else. If he is, take him to safety without making eye contact or speaking to him. He can never be rewarded with candy, hugs, or attention for that kind of behavior. Make sure other adults in his life--like grandparents or aunts/uncles are aware of the technique. He must become invisible when he's having a tantrum.

Please check back and let me know how you're doing.

Sensory Integration Dysfunction: Just What Exactly Is It? - Blog Entry

25 Feb 2008 11:21 AM

Thank you icanbe--I appreciate your comments and look forward to learning more about your programs and reading your blog.