[grisandole]

I have a foster ds that is 3yo. He has been with us for 2.5 months. They are working on a diagnosis, but suspect fetal alcohol syndrome, possibly autism, and definitely some developmental delays; he does qualify and receive services from the Division of Develpomental Disabilities. Early intervention thinks he definitely has processing problems, and he has no concept of abstract thought. He is very bright in some areas, but IMO he functions at an 18mo-2yo level socially/emotionally.

Okay, here's the problem. He is horrible in the car. He did/does everything in his power to get out of the seatbelt and booster. We had him in a belt positioning booster (he is almost 50lbs), and he could unbuckle it; he'd take his arms out, etc. We bought a Britax Husky because it has the 5pt harness, so that has eliminated the escapeism for now at least; BUT, he constantly hits and kicks my other kids. He will reach over and poke/prod/hit foster ds1, who sits on the same bench seat (the middle seat is empty), and he'll kick my ds1 who sits in front of him. He'll also spit. Car rides are extremely unpleasant, as he bugs all the kids who then bug me, lol.

If I firmly tell him to stop, he will stop for about a second, but then go back. I've tried pulling over and talking to him, pulling over when he does it, nothing works.

Natural consequenses or taking away privileges won't work at all with him because he can't grasp the concepts; and doesn't understand cause and effect. With my ds2, who is also three, he can understand that if he kicks then he won't get dessert, but foster ds2 cannot, so it would be totally useless.

He isn't uncomfortable in the car, he likes going places, he likes his new carseat, so those aren't issues. I don't know why he does this, it seems to be intented to annoy the other kids, not hurt them, and boy does it annoy them! He doesn't behave like that outside of the car.

Any suggestions?

Kristi

 

[grisandole]

It isn't the carseat; he did this in the booster he had, as well as simply in a seat belt (in the home he was in before me). He loves to go places, doesn't get upset or angry or scared, but he just likes to bug my other kids! He does do this sometimes at home, too, but on a normal scale, kwim? In the car, it's constant. He has toys, I've tried food, but he is intent on annoying the other kids.

He is verbal, but doesn't communicate well, if that makes sense.

He is in early intervention and they don't have any ideas for me; he was in therapy, but his worker quit so we are in limbo for a few weeks until we can get a new one........and maybe they will have some recommendations.

 

[grisandole]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PikkuMyy I understand what you are saying about it not being the individual seat, booster, etc. but the fact that he has fought being in all types of restraints surely means that he doesn't like being restrained. Some kids with SN love that and others hate it. I also think that Piage had a bunch of great ideas.

Oh, absolutely he doesn't like being restrained.....I'm sure he'd be thrilled to run around the car, lol. I thought your post was referring to the specific seat I bought, as it is new. He also doesn't like to be hugged, cuddled, etc; they do think he has some sensory issues as well.

Anyway, I appreciate all the suggestions, thanks!

Kristi