ABA-based Services Making a Difference: Dylan's Story

Like other six year-old boys, Dylan Patrick loves playing with toy trucks, enjoys listening to music and dancing, and is always asking ‘what's that'?

When the inquisitive young boy was diagnosed with severe Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in March 2009, it came as a surprise to parents Rose and Mike Patrick.

“Dylan had never before displayed behaviours that are typically associated with autism, such as avoiding eye contact or rocking back and forth,” says Rose. “We now know that the signs and symptoms of ASD can vary greatly from person to person. It is far from a cookie-cutter disorder.”

This past summer, Dylan's behavioural issues increased in both intensity and frequency. He was aggressive towards others and he was hurting himself, often bruising his face and causing nose bleeds. Transitions were especially difficult. It was then that Surrey Place Centre Developmental Paediatrician Dr. Alvin Loh referred Rose and Mike to Lai Doo, a behaviour therapist at the centre.

After an initial visit to the Patrick home, Lai was able to suggest different strategies to help address Dylan's behaviour. Lai also brought in speech-language pathologist Anna Luu, believing that Dylan's behavioural issues stemmed from his inability to communicate.

“Before treatment began, Dylan was hitting himself in the face well over a hundred times a day,” says Lai. “Now, with the help of transitional supports being implemented by the family and a consistent communication system, Dylan's self-injurious behaviours have reduced dramatically.”

To help with transitions, mom and dad now give Dylan verbal warnings, such as ‘ten minutes to bedtime', to move him smoothly from one activity to the next. And they now use PECS – Picture Exchange Communication System – to communicate with Dylan. Now, if Dylan wants a snack, or to be read to, he points to the corresponding picture in an album.

“We are grateful for Surrey Place's support,” says Rose. “Lai and Anna work well together. They combine their resources to help us help Dylan improve his behaviour and language – improvements we are seeing more and more each day.”