What We Do

After Ho had joined the “Learning Buddies” programme, his behavioural problems reduced a lot. Ho’s mother stated that they were lucky to join this programme which has changed their lives. “If Ho didn’t participate in the ‘Learning Buddies’, his problems would continue. He would probably have no friends. If someone bullies him, he may not even know that he is being bullied.”

“Ho used to throw temper tantrums every day and it could take at least half an hour to stop. He would ‘emotionally explode’ when he lost something. He would then insist on finding the item and would even blame others for losing it.” These situations easily annoyed Ho’s mother. She did not know how to deal with it. Sometimes she would scold Ho and he would behave much worse.

 “His social skills were poor. Although he often talked to people, he only said something he was interested in. When others asked him questions or invited him to play together, he didn’t respond. Sometimes I noticed that he wanted to play games with other children, but no matter how hard I encouraged him to invite others or did a demonstration for him, he refused to take the initiative. He also had aggressive expressions and behaviours, such as calling others ’fatty’, even he knew that people didn’t like it. He did it on purpose to make people feel angry, and apologised later...”

After Ho had participated in the “Learning Buddies” programme, he started to receive positive comments from his teachers and friends. One of the obvious changes was that Ho threw fewer tantrums and the frequency was only once or twice a week. He has been able to calm down in about ten minutes. Besides, Ho likes appreciation very much, so the mother has followed the therapists’ suggestion to praise for his good behaviours more often. When Ho lost his temper again, his mother paid very little attention to him, which has effectively reduced his behavioural problems.

In the social aspect, Ho has more positive social interactions with others. He knows how to ask questions and make appropriate responses to continue a conversation. “Ho would ask ‘where’ and ‘who’ questions. The conversation sounded more natural and smooth. He’s now very active and engaged in games. When playing with other children, he would take the initiative to say ‘It’s going to be my turn!’ He would also ask others politely if he could play with their toys.”

When the mother was describing the changes of her son, she was in a tone of surprise, “Ho is able to learn from experiences now. His problem-solving skills have also improved. His teachers said that he’s become more focused and active, like ordinary children. The programme is worth participating in. I’m really grateful for it. It has changed our lives.”

Ho’s mother was invited to share her perspective on ASD and ABA services with Autism Partnership Foundation (operating in Hong Kong) (APF, HK). Ho is a past beneficiary of APF, HK.