PT with Aspergers Syndrome-Help!!!

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Hi Everyone!!

I am going back to complete nursing school in August, for the time being I am working as a HHA. I work with 1 patient, 12 hour shifts. I have no problem with the physical demands of the job, but it is mentally draining. The patient has Aspergers Syndrome and is in always engaging in attention seeking behavior. For example, if I am communicating with his family he will start making obnoxious noises. He will purposely annoy people just to get attention. I have no idea what to do. I make sure all his daily requirements are met, but when there is down time I don't even feel like being in the same room with him. Does anyone have any advice?! Thank you!

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If occasional days off or vacations don't help, consider asking for a change of cases. Twelve hours is a long time to be in the company of someone who is getting on your nerves.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
If occasional days off or vacations don't help, consider asking for a change of cases. Twelve hours is a long time to be in the company of someone who is getting on your nerves.

Exactly. You need variety.

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Set limits, remember he isn't being an ass, his behavior is a result of a disability. They typical methods with kids aren't appropriate here. Aspergers kids do really good with structure, work on a schedule for him or see if child life can (play time, tv time, nap time, dinner time) and put it on a poster for him and everyone to stick to. Make a behavioral contract, this is what happens if you do this, this is what you get if you do this... You would be amazed when you change your tacticts

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Set limits, remember he isn't being an ass, his behavior is a result of a disability. They typical methods with kids aren't appropriate here. Aspergers kids do really good with structure, work on a schedule for him or see if child life can (play time, tv time, nap time, dinner time) and put it on a poster for him and everyone to stick to. Make a behavioral contract, this is what happens if you do this, this is what you get if you do this... You would be amazed when you change your tacticts

Child life rarely gets involved in pediatrics private duty/extended care home health. Behavioral contracts are generally out of the scope of HHA (like the OP) however the RN supervisor can coordinate & create such a contract with parental consent or if their is a BCBA/behaviorist involved

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