Friendships

Dominic has been doing really well in school. He's had a few rough days where he couldn't follow directions or was too touchy-feel with other students. There was one incident report from last week though. Dominic was spinning in circles with his hands on his hips and elbows out on the playground. According to him, another student came too close and was hit in the chest with his elbow. The report stated that Dominic had punched the child though. Even with this set back, this year is much better than last. At this point last year we already had 3 or 4 incident reports!

There are two boys who live in our apartment complex and ride the bus with Dominic in the afternoon. They have come over to play a few times. Each time is incredibly nerve racking for me. I want Dominic to have friends, and I have to stop myself from constantly correcting him and trying to help him keep friends. I do remind him (before they come over) to let them decide what they what to do. Dominic is incredibly bossy and always wants to direct the play, at times even forcing the other person to do what he wants. He has shown great restraint when the boys come over though. Although there are a few issues, such as violent playing, or giving his toys away, it seems to be going rather well.

I've explained to Dominic that he may not see things they way that most people do. I tell him that I will help him understand how to make and keeps friends, and what he can and can not do or say to other people. Sometimes he listens to my hints, but most times he just blatantly ignores me. I just hope that one day it will start to sink in. My main points are to not be so bossy, let others take control and follow along, and not point out things that might be embarrassing (such as "why are you missing part of your arm?"). Every day brings new understanding about Dominic for me. It's been really hard to understand the way that he thinks and does things. But it's been getting better and that's very encouraging.