Re: Kathy / Re: Minshew

[Guest guest]

Well, actually, I think some of the computer-based learning that Ben has done has done exactly the opposite from interfering. A few months ago he was working on an advanced reading program that was quite a bit above his grade level, he hates to make mistakes, so he started to "reference" regularly, look at my face, and check with me before clicking on the answers--that's one example. [i know some people would have thought that was cheating, but to me it was better than his knowing the right answer or guessing.] Another is when he was using "Insaniquarium Deluxe" and while looking at the pictures of the new fish or pets he had won,  was able for the first time to describe his experiences in detail to his mother, on the phone (never had used more than a phrase or two on the phone before that). The language just started to pour out.But what I read from the RDI literature was quite clear and rather rigid about getting rid of the video games and electronics.  I guess I can be very stubborn, too. This afternoon I saw a specialist vet about my dog's skin allergies (no sign of fleas at all) and she wanted me to spray all over the house and yard for hypothetical non-existent fleas when I have multiple chemical sensitivities. Clearly part of her protocol. I didn't tell her I wouldn't do that even if I saw fleas hopping all over the carpet. And likewise, I'm not about to throw out the computer with the bathwater.  I resisted video games with my own children until Ben's dad was diagnosed with dysgraphia and then he got a Nintendo because there was no other way I could think of to give the immediate repeated reinforcement for accurate hand-eye coordination that electronics can give.  It helped a lot.And...what are we all doing on this list? Isolating ourselves?? LOL! I enjoyed Stanley Greenspan's book on the Child with Special Needs, but I didn't need a franchise to spend time on the floor with my grandson... Peace,Kathy E.On Feb 8, 2008, at 8:31 PM, penelope_fam wrote:Kathy, an "RDI person" would point out anything that is an obstacle to reciprocity and meaning between people. If a video game is not interfering with relationship development, I don't think you'd be turned away by a consultant or told by a consultant to get rid of it.