It's Been Awhile! Review of "Produce: Where Hope Grows"

 

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I thought it would be a good time to bring attention again, to a certain upcoming movie.  "Produce" is actually not scheduled to come out until next year, but screenings were scheduled at the Down Syndrome Convention (with the star present, no less!) and I was able to see it there.  It is one of those movies that could very easily get 'passed by' in the theater line-up, but it brings a powerful message, and is one that shouldn't be missed if you have the opportunity.  Now, since it isn't out yet, I don't want to be a spoiler, BUT it is important to know a little about the story.

 

Produce follows the very unlikely friendship of Calvin and Produce.  Calvin is a former professional baseball player in a small Kentucky town.  His career ended when he suffered a panic attack at the plate, and since then has basically been 'skating by' in life, and in his relationship with his daughter, using alcohol to self-medicate.  That begins to change on the day he met a young man named Produce, working in the produce department at the local grocery store.  Produce has Down Syndrome.  With his upbeat attitude, persistent presence, conversation,questions and invitations, Calvin slowly begins to respond, and the two form a friendship. 

 

This friendship slowly begins to affect other parts of both Calvin and Produce's lives. The openness that Produce shares with Calvin trickles into Calvin's relationship with his daughter.  Calvin in turn with his stronger personality, supports Produce in his goals, and things he wants to learn, and in demanding respect from others.  Produce in his transparency, challenges Calvin in his fears, faith and the choices he makes, and ultimately Calvin and his daughter offer a friendship that really becomes more like a family.

 

I will be completely honest.  This movie will not blow you away by it's cinematography or writing.  It is a homegrown, grassroots labor of love.  What will without a doubt leave an impression is the obvious care with which it is done, and the heart of this story: the characters you come to know, the friendship that grows and sows life and hope in the lives of many others. It is also a strong affirmation of the dignity of each person, regardless of their ability- to see each person as a person, with their own story, strengths and weaknesses.   

 

So, in conclusion, keep your eyes open for this movie to come out in 2015, and see it if you are able!  You can follow their news at their website: www.iamproduce.com and on their Facebook page: "Produce: Where Hope Grows"  

 

          

The Function of Dysfunctional Behavior

 

 

Screaming, (excessive) crying, physical or verbal aggression, not following directions, running or climbing inside, interrupting, and yes, inappropriate language and undressing.  Have you thought of someone you know yet?  These behaviors can be disruptive, add tension and 'electricity' to any environment, and frankly, could probably test the patience of a saint.

 

I remember a horrible tantrum I was faced with in my second year of teaching- screaming, crying, kicking, the whole nine yards.  I was getting emotionally charged myself, and extremely frustrated.  Finally, almost in desperation, I asked him "what's going on... is there something you need?" Shuddering breath and tears, then "I'm hungry". After catching my breath, and marveling for a moment at what had just happened, I took him by the hand to help him up, and got him a snack. Afterward, all I could do was remind him to tell me when he was feeling hungry.   

 

I wanted to share a few helpful things I've learned along the way for approaching behaviors like these.  A helpful place to start is to distinguish the type of behavior you are observing: a "behavioral excess" like aggression, screaming or crying, a "behavioral deficit" (lack of skills) like communication, or academics, or directions or "inappropriate impulse control" like running inside, climbing on furniture or interrupting (cf. Stacy Taylor, MA, BCBS).   

 

Behavior has a purpose.  Behavior produces consequences.  There is a reason the person is engaging in the behavior, and they have continued to do it because IT WORKS.  It is communicating something that the person perhaps doesn't have the language or social skills to express appropriately. So the most important question to ask is "why".  Are they seeking attention, avoidance, access to some reinforcer, or to some sensory or physical need? 

 

SO, the first action is to make sure that any physical needs (sleep, food, water, bathroom, temperature), are met.  Also, consider any potential medical issues, like pain, sensory issues (including hearing and vision), stomach issues, or even PMS.

 

 

The consequences of the behavior either reinforce and strengthen it, or will weaken the behavior, so our reactions are very important in reinforcing the behavior we want to see, and building and keeping a good relationship based in trust. 

 

1st: Be specific as to what the behavior expectations are- and model it! 
Some people do need more modeling and help to know and do what is appropriate.
 

2nd: Be consistent.
Calm language and consequences that are consistent with your expectations takes time and practice, but they are crucial for building trust, avoiding power struggles and to de-escalate.
 

3rd: Focus on reinforcing positive behaviors, and positive consequences.    

 

Put Behavior In Context

Particularly if there is a recurring behavior, take a record of four things:

• what the setting was (where, what time of day, who... etc.),
• what occurred immediately before the behavior,
•  an objective description of what the behaviors are, and
• what happened immediately after the behavior

 Knowing the setting and what happened before can help you make changes to prevent behaviors.  An objective description of the behavior helps to target specific behaviors/skills to teach, as well as appropriate behavior to reinforce.  The final step is to develop a plan of consequences for when a problem behavior occurs, and when the desired behavior occurs.  This step can take some trial and error, and input from the person and their parents, or previous teachers/care-takers on strategies and motivators can be invaluable.   


Finally, it is worth taking a few seconds to calm yourself before responding to a problem behavior or conflict.  If you jump into an emotionally charged situation without being calm, most likely what will happen is that "gasoline will be added to a fire" and not only will you not respond the way you want to, but it will escalate the situation.  So, again, it is worth taking a few seconds to breathe deeply (even if it is just as you are walking over to the situation), say a quick prayer- and even self-talk if you need to "I am ok, I am safe, I can do this" but especially breathe.  The moment to calm keeps blood and oxygen to your brain instead of your muscles (for flight or fight), so you can stay in an executive state of mind, and ready to respond and problem solve.  
Hope this helps!

Making Prayer a Sensory Experience...

"For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy" St. Therese of Lisieux

The most beautiful thing about prayer is that it can be so incarnational- using our bodies, our senses, and of course concrete sacramentals to aid us in our response to God, who lovingly reaches out to us.  This is especially important in working with people with special needs, including ADD-ADHD and ASD, for whom repetition, movement, visuals and tactile experiences are such an important part of how they learn best.  So here are some things that can help especially bring out this sensory, incarnational aspect of prayer...

To get started, it's always easiest to begin with things that are usually present anyway.

Dim lights and Candle Light: we all know how mesmerizing candle light is.  This is a very easy way to encourage an atmosphere of the sacred and to direct attention and focus.  It is also HIGHLY symbolic of the presence, light and knowledge of Jesus.  Artificial candles do not give the same effect, and so, with safety precautions taken, real candles are best. 

Beads: There is something deliberately meditative and soothing about the movement of running your fingers over beads.  Beads have been used in prayer for centuries, and in many different religious traditions.  The Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet can be said using the same beads- and by the way, usually include other visual reminders which can be mini lessons- namely a crucifix and a medal.  The Divine Mercy Chaplet also has the beautiful image of Jesus to meditate on as one prays.  There are lots of methods for making a full rosary, or decade string, which is not only a good way to talk about how to pray the rosary or chaplet, but also personalizes it, and can then be blessed.  Here are a couple!  

How To Make Knotted Cord Rosaries
How to Make Sacrifice Beads/Rosary Decade

The Stations of the Cross: This can be found in every Church.  Not only is there a visual for each station, but movement from station to station, to 'travel' along the journey with Jesus.  Outdoor/walking Stations are also powerful in that space allows for larger, sometimes more tactile images to reflect on.  

Music: having chant, taize, or other meditative music playing softly, or available on headphones is soothing, encourages the atmosphere of the sacred, and personal meditation and prayer.



Sacred Art: We are blessed with a rich tradition of icons, statues and paintings.  Paintings are wonderful ways to communicate a story without words.  Icons are rich in symbolism and doctrine, as they are meant to be a "window to heaven" truly making present the person or event depicted.

 

Statues, especially figures that might later be gently handled, are also wonderful sensory additions to prayer, as they remind us of the presence and intercession of those who have gone before, the communion of the faithful, which also includes those in Purgatory and in Heaven.  One example is these small statues from Joseph's Studio (and carried by many Catholic book/gift shops) are beautiful, and made of resin, so they can safely be handled.  (On a side note, they also distribute the Fontanini nativity pieces, which are made of the same material.)   

http://www.roman.com/products.php?line=josephs-gifts-renaissance-general

 

Art Supplies! Some really do think, focus and express themselves better in pictures- their mind works in images, and having art supplies like paint, markers, available really is the best way to evoke a personal prayer.

 

Incense: this might be something for people to get used to, but there is wonderful tradition here,  recognizing something that is holy, of our own prayers and small acts ascending to God, as well as a pleasing smell.  This also tends toward an atmosphere of the sacred.  

 

Prayer Sensory Bins:

might include sand, water or oil, and/or or other applicable objects smooth rocks, shells, objects which invite touching, along with a scripture passage or picture to look at to lend toward making connections, relaxation, and meditation.  

 

Hopefully this gave you some ideas, and got the juices flowing... what other sensory experiences have been helpful in your prayer?