summer speech therapy part 4

SJ had another speech therapy session today.  The therapist said he did very well with the Problem Solving exercise.  He also worked on an emotions worksheet.  She had him list off things that made him mad, happy or sad.  She said he easily listed off the things that make him happy.  They were: 

1. I am happy when I win. 
2. I am happy when I am at the pool.
3. I am happy when I go to birthday parties.
4. I am happy at Christmas.
5. I am happy at Halloween.

He had some trouble listing things that made him sad.  The therapist gave him some examples and he told her the following.

1. I am sad when I get bullied.
2. I am sad when teachers give you a fail grade.
3. I am sad when I get reading homework.
4. I was sad when I gave up my dog.
5. I was sad when my friend moved to New York.

When it came to listing the things about getting mad, they mostly were about Bob.  They were:

1. I get mad when my brother copies me.
2. I get mad when Bob teases me.
3. I get mad when I lose.
4. I get mad when Bob calls me names.
5. I get mad when Bob tells me to be quiet.

The therapist said she asked SJ how he reacts when he gets mad at Bob.  He told her he goes into a rage (he sort of does...he yells at the top of lungs "Bobbbbbbbbbb!".)  She gave him some suggestions of verbiage that he can use instead of yelling.  She said he could say, "Bob that hurts my feelings when you copy me."  She also suggested he say, "Bob, I get mad when you call me names and tease me."  It is great that he is able to discuss his feelings in a calm atmosphere.  I hope with her suggestions SJ will not react so quickly to typical brotherly behavior.  I plan on showing the worksheet to Bob as well.  It may give him some insight on how his brother is feeling too.  He may not realize that SJ is internalizing his words and actions.  This was an eye opening exercise for all of us!