Timing is everything

We have a problem at our house, getting Alayna to complete anything in a decent time frame. It takes her an hour to shower and get dressed. It takes her 20 minutes to use the bathroom. Everything she does is VERY slow and methodical. I don't know how much of the issue is just her, how much is laziness, how much of it is learned behavior, or how much of it is cognitive abilities.

We've been working on a good routine for everything (a morning routine, a homework routine, a bathing routine, a bedtime routine, etc) in the hopes that it'll help her get things done in a timely manner since she officially moved home. It doesn't seem to be working.

Here's the biggest issue: not only does she do everything very slowly, she also doesn't do them very well. Again, how much of that is learned behavior versus ability versus laziness I don't know. I'm not comfortable punishing her for something that may be out of her control. So, we are continuing to try to find a way to help her.

Right now we have check lists up of what she needs to do and how she needs to do it. They don't seem to be working on their own though. She does well if she's being monitored throughout the process, but if it's left up to her, she doesn't do well.

So, how to find a way to help without having to walk around behind her 24/7. The OT that evaluated her suggested a count down timer/clock thingy. This to be exact: http://www.amazon.com/Time-Timer-LLC-TT2-Audible/dp/B0019FHX6Y/ref=pd_sim_k_2 But, I wanted something different, so I was looking at this:      
http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-LER6900-Programmable-Electronic/dp/B0007DHU0S/ref=pd_sbs_t_8

The second one looks AWESOME and perfect, however, 80% of the reviews are horrible :( So, I was looking for other similar options. None offer both a color change, noise, AND visual count down timer. Back to option number 1 I guess.

The clock timer (which was the exact one that the OT suggested) DOES have a beep at the end, not sure how loud it is though. I've found another one that I like, it makes noise and flashes different colors (green, yellow, and red) and beeps at the end, BUT that one doesn't have a visual timer. Unfortunately it's also made by the same company that makes the one above that has so many horrible reviews :( This is the link to that one: http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Time-Tracker-Mini/dp/B004DJ373G/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I'm also going to make a more strict schedule and routine. Alayna does really well if she has a routine, but we still need to monitor her. So, that's the plan.

Also, I LOVE our OT. The same OT that seems Brooklyn twice a month evaluated Alayna. Hopefully here soon we'll get the letter from the insurance saying they approve OT and we'll be able to schedule Alayna's visits (we're also waiting on them to approve PT). I've already talked to our OT about wanting to schedule Alayna with her as well. Today we talked a bit about Alayna and she said that she's already thinking of some ideas to help her :) LOVE our OT!!

Meltdowns....

We had meltdowns all weekend. I think it's due to all of the changes lately, one half day of school just wasn't the best idea for introducing Kindergarten to the incoming students. We have made it part of our bedtime routine to talk with Brooklyn about the next day. What are our plans, what time are we getting up, etc.  This seems to have helped her. Well, last week was NOT a normal week.

Brooklyn went to ONE half day of school last week. So, she had VASTLY different days all week. Monday was different because Joe was off due to Labor day. Tuesday she came with Alayna and I to Alayna's intake appointment at the same clinic Brooklyn goes to. Wednesday the big kids went to a regular full day of school, and then Brooklyn met her new therapist for the first time. Thursday Brooklyn had a half day of school, and Friday it was just Brooklyn, Bella, and I at home. So, all weekend we had meltdown central at the Ryder house. Tears, sobbing hysterically, MUCH more aggression. Nothing I did helped her.

Brooklyn really enjoyed her half day of school last Thursday. She even made a friend, which is kind of a big thing. Brooklyn doesn't always do so well with other kids. She's much more intense than the typical child. Friday afternoon we found out who her teacher is, what sucks the most is that the only kid she made friends with isn't even in her class.

Anyways, I am trying to come up with ideas on how to help avoid meltdowns. Talking her through the plans for the following day every night seems to be helping. But, this last weekend was awful. Lots of meltdowns.

This is the first full week of school on, what will become, our regular schedule. I'm hoping that as she gets used to the schedule, we'll cut down on meltdowns.

****EDIT****
Well, most of the night tonight was full of meltdowns. I'm thinking maybe Brookie was tired and worn out from school, she went to sleep SUPER easy tonight and right on time. We'll see what tomorrow brings.