Poor little dude! Willis has to fast until after his ultrasound today, but he is pressing the “treat” button all morning. I told him “treat later”, but he looks so forlorn that I can hardly take it. Do you all struggle when you have to refuse a request?

Any of you who are familiar with Willis know that he must be the center of attention at ALL times. Yesterday, I had a friend over and I put Willis behind his baby gate so he didn’t overwhelm her with slobber. (Yes, he’s far taller than the gate but remains behind it). He stood there and whined for awhile and the began pressing “Mad” repeatedly. Mad, mad, Willis mad! I thought my friend was going to fall out laughing. He’s truly in his terrible two’s.

This was a conversation where I was in the living room and he was at his board. I wasn’t modeling and he clearly understood and replied (so sadly).

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0NdU9vB9IZliLV8Bh0GpzQTmg

I see a lot of questions about modeling, so I compiled some tips from various sources and personal experience that may help:

1. Model consistently and often.

2. Pause and wait for learner response! This may be the most important tip. Using buttons takes time, and it takes your learner time to compose thoughts. Try counting to 10 or 20 to allow your learner time. Some learners can take far longer. Be patient.

3. Model a wide range of communication functions. Don’t just ask questions. Talk about feelings, make comments and tell about your day.

4. Continue modeling even if the learner is not watching you.

5. You may need to model the same words many times. Keep modeling.

6. Your learner may not always answer, but keep modeling.

7. Respond if possible and acknowledge all button presses— even if you don’t immediately understand the meaning.

8. Understand that all forms of communication are valid. Don’t force your learner to communicate exclusively with buttons. Body language, vocalizing, etc. are valid forms of communication that should be respected.

For the second time, Willis has asked for Play and responded Mad when told all done. The cameras failed to catch it again! I’m so frustrated that I can’t prove this exchange.

I have two blink cameras that are motion activated and should record everything on the soundboard. However, I’m getting frustrated that some of our best button presses aren’t getting recorded, even with two cameras. Is it possible that they are having a problem because I have two different cameras recording the same space? I’m not a tech person.

Willis has really been demanding attention lately. I spend 24 hours a day with him walking, playing, training and cuddling but lately it’s never enough. Each time I work on something I get a lot of “All Done” and “mama” in an effort to stop me. Yesterday, Willis pressed “Play” and I replied “Later” to which he answered “Mad” “Mad”. He is so emotional lately! Maybe adolescent angst...lol

After repeated requests for play while I was trying to finish a project, Willis said “No” “Love you” “Help” “all done”.
I was crushed. He has  never said no love you. 😢

We just added the bedtime button. It’s in the bedroom now, but which tile should receive it once it goes on the board?

Will there be an option to purchase hex tiles only? We have plenty of buttons, but we have to space them out with only 3 buttons to a tile because of Bigfoot Willis. Need additional hextiles.