As some of you know Sam has become quite fluent lately at using a number of unacceptable words and phrases.
Last week he announced to his class that he "hates black people" and in the past week I have heard him say many swear words at completely random moments. Sometimes he is in his room by himself and I overhear him repeating the words out loud to himself for no apparent reason.
I have tried telling Sam that bad words are not allowed and that when he says them he will lose privileges such as playing on the iPad, his computer, and the wii for one day.
Clearly this is not working because he is still saying the words at both home and at school.
While lamenting to friends on Twitter about my frustrations over Sam's potty mouth someone asked if a social story would help Sam understand the consequences of using bad words? I wanted to reach through my computer and hug the woman because I hadn't even considered it and from
past experience social stories have really helped Sam understand and deal with some tough situations.
So, today I created a social story about not using bad words and because I know a number of you are struggling with the same type of negative behaviors in your kids (ASD or not!) I thought I would share it with you.
You can choose to download the file and then print it or view it with your kids directly on the computer. For Sam I find it is best to print it because holding it in his hands and turning the pages seems to help make it more real for him.
Sam Will Use GOOD Words
If this doesn't work then I'm going to fucking lose my shit.
Ahem.