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September 1998
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September 1998
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by Duane Davis
Adaptive Learning Company
http://www.ticklebox.comBack in February, TT featured a new product which may be useful to students with Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD), learning disabilities (LD), or mental retardation (MR). Now, according to the company, "the results are in ... and they're fabulous!" Here are the testimonials, you be the judge.
During this last spring we have been busy piloting Tickle Box in many schools throughout the U.S.
You may recall that Tickle Box is a prompter tool that helps students compensate for distractability and short term memory issues. It helps create good self management habits by prompting the student at the moment something needs to be done.
Tickle Box does this by relaying reminder messages from a computer based reminder list to a commercial paging carrier...which in turn relays the message to the students prompter.
Well, our efficacy testing in various public schools has gone very well. Tickle Box has provided significant improvements in independence and attitude among many of its users. It has helped individuals with Fragile X Syndrome, cerebral palsy, Prader Willie Syndrome, traumatic brain injury, various learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and even gifted children without disabilities.
The following are testimonials relating a few of these experiences.
Tickle Box helps High Schoolers be More Independent and Saves Paraprofessionals Time
Tickle Box is being used with our high school students with emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and cognitive disabilities. Students used Tickle Box in both the school and community.
The main benefit from Tickle Box is that the students are able to be more independent. (A word of caution . . . the student has to be motivated from within to use this. If the student is not interested in being more independent, Tickle Box is just like any other device or technique that the student will "forget" to use.)
Uses in our school include reminding students to go to special pull out services, and certain classes, and to "look up" or pay attention in class. In the community, students used Tickle Box for job reminders.
The uses can vary from student to student and location to location.
Here are a few examples of individuals that have benefited from Tickle Box:
We have one student with Prader Willie Syndrome whose brain does not tell him when he is full at meal time. As a result, if he is not supervised at lunch, he gorges himself with food on the table or even from the cafeteria trash cans. This is not only dangerous, but also causes him great embarrassment when the other children laugh. With Tickle Box, we send him a message every 10 minutes during lunch that says "Stay in Control". Now, he is no longer embarrassed and the paraprofessional supervision is not required.
Another student is transitioning to a work environment at a local sandwich shop. She continually missed her bus to come home because she would lose track of time and start her clean up responsibilities too late. We tried calling her each day, but it embarrassed her and irritated her employer. We also tried sending a paraprofessional over to remind her but this also embarrassed her and took up valuable time of one of our staff members. Now, with Tickle Box, we send her a reminder saying "Clean Up" and then again 10 minutes later, "Go to the Bus". Now, she never misses her bus, feels more responsible, and we can use our paraprofessional's time for students with greater needs.
Next year, we are planning to expand the use of Tickle Box to our middle schools and elementary as well. We also hope to use it for an apartment where we teach daily living skills.
I would strongly suggest Tickle Box for any student with a disability.
Mary Ann Beckman
Greenfield High School
4800 South 60th Street
Greenfield, WI 53220
(414) 281-6200 ext. 257
Tickle Box - A Life Saver For High School Teacher !
I first began using Tickle Box as a reminder device for routine things to be done. I found it to be user friendly even though computer use does not come easy to me.
During my typical busy day, it is very easy to forget some of my student's medication schedules, speech therapy times, physical therapy times, etc. Many of these activities, of course, are critical to the well being of the student. For example, my special need students may have several different medications that must be given at specific times throughout the day.
The great thing about Tickle Box is that I can just set up my reminder schedule at the beginning of the week and just forget about it. (unlike the old kitchen timer that I used to use). The Tickle Box software sends me a reminder message to my prompter when something needs to happen. This gives me one less thing to worry about and has allowed me to concentrate on other activities - like teaching.
I would recommend Tickle Box to other teachers, especially teachers who must juggle the challenges of teaching with all of the other activities associated with Individualized Educational Plans.
Tickle Box has been a life saver for me!
Connie Washburn
Special Education Department Chair
Roswell High School
770-552-4500
Deltona Elementary loves Tickle Box!
We have been using Tickle Box at Deltona Elementary for about 3 months with great results.
Two of our gifted students were having a great deal of difficulty remembering to do the basic activities that other students take for granted...things like writing down their homework assignments...bringing their books home...turning in home work on time.
Prior to the use of Tickle Box our teachers and the students' parents were expending a great deal of energy to make sure the children were getting the job done. Well, no more!
Since the implementation of Tickle Box, we have seen huge improvements in the ability of these children to follow through on their own responsibilities. It has saved staff time by reducing the frequency that the teachers are having to verbally remind the children. Our parents love Tickle Box because it is providing additional motivation for the children to accept their responsibilities and get the job done.
We believe the possibilities for Tickle Box are unlimited and are looking at more groups for messaging next fall.
We, at Deltona Elementary, love Tickle Box!
Janet Dunleavy, Principal
2055 Deltona Blvd
Deltona Elementary
Spring Hill, FL 34606
352-797-7040
4th Grader Demonstrated More Responsibility For His Assignments
Our school, Hapeville Elementary installed Tickle Box two months ago as part of a nationwide pilot project being hosted by Adaptive Learning Company.
Two students were selected to participate, a 4th grader and a 5th grader. Both have ADHD. The 4th grader is motivated but is easily distracted and could not remember his tasks. The 5th grader does not seem to have a memory problem, but appears unmotivated and uses any excuse to avoid completion of assignments.
It was interesting to see how Tickle Box affected these two different profiles.
It was no surprise that there was no significant change with the 5th grader. The 5th grader did acknowledge his cues, but he fiddled with his prompter and used it to avoid tasks just like he had in the past with other instruments like pens, pencils, notebooks etc. We believe there are behavioral issues with this child layered upon the ADHD that are interfering with his desire to improve. It would have been interesting to use the Tickle Box reward systemwith this child to see if it would have improved his behavior perhaps next year.
Tickle Box proved to be beneficial with our 4th grader. One issue with this child was writing down homework assignments. So, we sent him prompts throughout the day to write down his assignments and to begin his work. We noticed that Tickle Box prompter decreased the number of verbal reminders the teachers had to give.
The 4th grader demonstrated more responsibility for his assignments and their completion. His parents reported that he always had his homework assignments and that they did not have to give as many verbal reminders for him to start his homework assignments once he got home. In fact, the parents are so impressed with Tickle Box that they are planning on purchasing it for the 98-99 school year to use at home.
Based on this experience, I highly recommend Tickle Box for teachers and parents with motivated students who need extra help in developing good self-management habits.
Sincerely,
Pam Elliot
Special Education Consultant
Hapeville Elementary
Fulton County Public School System
Atlanta, GA.
404-669-8220
Valuable Organizational Aide For Students And Teachers Alike
With your help, Sinclair Middle School, located in Englewood, Colorado had the opportunity to pilot Tickle Box this past spring. The students that participated in the program provided us with information suggesting that this was a very positive experience for them. These students were chosen for a variety of reasons such as: inadequate organizational skills, hyperactivity issues, limited mental capacities and medication management. Feedback from the students in the pilot indicated that Tickle Box helped them to better complete tasks, remind them of assignments that were due and review school expectations. In addition, it gave them a sense that they were more in control of their daily lives.
Interest from non-participating students was high. This seemed to show that actual need may be more widespread than the scope of the pilot. After explaining how Tickle Box worked, many students expressed that they too could benefit from using the pager reminding system.
Two teachers and one administrator were included as part of the pilot. Their experience was that it made them feel more effective in the school setting. One teacher was quoted as saying, "I am now reminded to do things that I normally just made a mental note of." Another teacher found that Tickle Box provided her with a management system for student's daily rotating schedules, parent calls and various appointments and meetings. Overall, the teachers and administrator felt Tickle Box was a powerful management tool in classroom operations.
Parents provided positive comments regarding the changes they noted in their child's behavior while using Tickle Box. One mother, whose daughter has Down's Syndrome, reported a marked increase in her daughter's willingness to complete routine activities. Additionally, her daughter was verbalizing more about these daily activities in a conversational manner, something that she had never done before. Some parents stated that homework completion improved without argument or constant verbal reminders.
Sinclair Middle School plans to use Tickle Box during the 1998-1999 school year. This program has proven to be a valuable organizational aide for students and teachers alike.
Through our experience, it's easy to recommend that other schools make use of Tickle Box technology in their academic programs. We look forward to working with you and your product in the future.
Sincerely,
Martha M. O'Flaherty, Behavioral Specialist
Marc Robson, Computer Technologist
Sinclair Middle School
300 West Chenango Street
Englewood, CO 80110
Tickle Box Success. It's Easy And Fun. Marked Improvement In His Remembering And Being Responsible
Tickle Box has been an adventure for my son and I. It's a great tool to build a foundation for life long organizational habits. While my son doesn't always notice the effects of Tickle Box prompts, I do. I've seen in other areas besides school. It has a residual effect on his behavior.
Tickle Box is great too for reminders like "take your pills", "eat a good lunch", or a simple "I love you", I sometimes throw in to surprise him. It's there for the little emergency messages that sometimes occur. I can send him a quick message during the day to let him know about anything that might come up.
Tickle Box continues to work on improving its product and service. It's a great, innovative company. Duane Davis has been supportive and patient, I couldn't have asked for better service and support. I recommend Tickle Box to any parent, whether their child is ADD or not. It's easy and fun, a great way to take off some of the pressure in helping your child learn to steer through life.
Janet Love
Gilbert, Arizona
No More Nagging, No More Verbal Reminders, And No More Forgotten Tasks!!!!
I just wanted to jot you a quick note to let you know how we feel about Tickle Box. Let me start by giving you and Donna a huge "Thank you!!!!" Tickle Box has been the perfect complement to the behavior management system we've been using at home and in school for the past 2 years. We've moved all of IIashim's target behaviors from the Token Economy Chart to Tickle Box in addition to other tasks he needs to complete. No more nagging, no more verbal reminders, and no more forgotten tasks!!!! He works hard to reach all goals set and enjoys being in control now.
We recently revised Ilashim's IEP and had the use of the word prompter added to ensure he would be able to use it in school for as long as needed. It is listed under "Appropriate classroom modifications" in the Assistive Devices category. The letter you provided for the schools was a great help in assuring them that the prompter would be used only as an assistive device.
Again, thank you both for such a wonderful concept.
Sincerely yours,
Candi Jacobs
North Carolina
The Best Thing I Have Ever Purchased For My Son...!
I wanted to let you know how great things have been since my son has begun using the Ticklebox prompter (pager) for school and home. He is a 13 year old who doesn't like to be told what to do--even nice reminders---and also has severe ADHD.
At his last school he did not receive his noon medication 21 days--he had been forgetting to go and the school wasn't calling me to let me know he as forgetting to come to the clinic. He got many Ds that quarter!! The emphasis at school is that teens now need to be on their own--they now need to be responsible--no more breaks!! While we all think this is a great idea, things are different for ADHD kids--by definition.
A prompter (pager) helps these kids remember to be responsible. Also the programming feature of Ticklebox lets the kid be in control--they gain self pride and respect--and things just go smoother.
The prompter (pager) even has helped my son remember about chores around home--he earns more allowance and is more motivated to do chores.
This is the best thing I have ever purchased for my son to help with his ADHD difficulties!!
Thanks for a great idea--I wish this had been available years ago--but I'm not complaining.
Sincerely,
Barb Day
Colorado
Successful School, Successful Week. Happy Teacher, Happy Child, Happy Mommy
"I am a mother of an 8 year-old ADHD boy. He is an intelligent, but disorganized child with a poor memory for homework or unfinished assignments. Ticklebox has saved 3rd grade for him and help me maintain some degree of sanity. We have used Ticklebox for several months and have had wonderful results using it as both a reminder and motivational system. We have implemented our own rewards that best suit our son's needs and desires. He enjoys using (the prompter) at school and we have not had any problems from school or problems regarding disruption.
We were struggling daily trying to make sure his assignments were completed and the proper books and materials were brought home to do homework. It was extremely frustrating for all of us. We no longer have that problem because he gets a reminder at the end of the day. He enjoys printing the award at the end of the week and collecting his "reward" and I am more than happy to oblige.
Successful school, successful week. Happy teacher, happy child, happy mommy."
This last testimonial letter is regarding the adult version of Tickle Box called LifeMinder (previously NeuroPage).
For The First Time In My Life, I Now Feel That I Am In Control Of Myself I have been a LifeMinder (NeuroPage) user for approximately two years now and by doing so, I have gone from being totally dependent upon my caregiver for the initiation and maintenance of my daily living skills to being independent in those areas with the use of the LifeMinder (NeuroPage). I was first introduced to LifeMinder (NeuroPage) in 1996 at the Ohio Brain Injury Association Annual Conference. I picked up a pamphlet on the LifeMinder (NeuroPage) and it immediately sparked my interest. Upon my return from the Conference, I contacted the company and was promptly sent a package of comprehensive material on the system and the services which were available.
It took me awhile to adjust to the notion that I needed to be cued to be able to perform routine everyday tasks and activities, those things that most people do without thinking and subsequently take for granted. Those of us with brain injuries and cognitive deficits, as well as those who love and support , know however, just how much initiation, concentration, energy and attention it requires to do things; such as take medication on time, go to the bathroom, eat meals, look at our daily schedule, leave for appointments, and other very basic daily activities such as these. Without those types of reminders however, I was not able to complete those everyday tasks and the burden of responsibility for my care was being placed upon my partner who then became my caregiver.
It was at that point in time that we had to make a plan and I had to become willing to use the LifeMinder (NeuroPage). In order for me to be able to do this, I had to accept my limitations and 'make friends' with the system. I had to allow it to become an everyday part of my life. In the beginning this was not an easy task because I didn't want to acknowledge to myself or others the fact that I wasn't able to do those things on my own. The LifeMinder (NeuroPage) therefore, became for me a literal representation and constant reminder that I, on my own, was not able to care for myself.
Although it was something that I had originally initiated wanting and pursued obtaining, when it came right down to it, I didn't want to admit that I needed that kind of assistance. With great support from my therapists, treating physician, and personal support system I finally decided to give it a try. "Buzz," as it has come to be known now completes and complements my person. I wear it at all times during the day and at night when I sleep it is right next to my bed ready to awaken me in the morning. By using the LifeMinder (NeuroPage) ,I have been able to manage a complicated medication routine which included taking at times up to 45 pills per day on a varied schedule which often included 5-6 different dosing times. I have also been able to get myself up in the morning, perform my daily morning routine, eat breakfast, leave my house on schedule and arrive on time at my appointments. Prior to using the LifeMinder (NeuroPage), none of these activities were taking place. I spent the majority of my days in front of the television, in my pajamas, not having showered or eaten, and certainly unable to get myself properly dressed and ready to leave for any appointment. My physician and others have at times, expressed concerns about my dependence upon the LifeMinder (NeuroPage). As a result, on occasion, we have experimented with me not using it for a week or so. On each of these trials, I have been strongly encouraged and advised by my physician, therapists, family and friends to return to using it. I may have been able to engage in a few of the activities or tasks for a few days without cueing. However, the essential tasks that I need to do, such as taking my medications, eating, and using the bathroom, all of which require internal prompting from the brain, I cannot do with any consistency. I therefore finally decided that it only made good sense for me to use "Buzz" in all of my daily operations.
In the beginning, my cue schedule was extremely complicated and I required the complete assistance of my Occupational Therapist to program and schedule my daily activities. With the progression of time and my personal growth and recovery, I now require fewer cues in number and frequency. I am also now able to create and maintain my own cue schedule.
For the first time in my life, I now feel that I am in control of myself, my time, my choices and my activities. My caregiver has once again become my partner and more importantly, my friend. It has taken a great deal of hard work, commitment and dedication on behalf of me, as well as those who have been with me and supported me during these past two years. I owe my independence to LifeMinder (NeuroPage) and would recommend it to anyone who has a long term, chronic illness. The personal freedom and opportunities I now enjoy have come only because of my use of the LifeMinder (NeuroPage). I began the process from a position of needing and weakness and have grown to a point where I can say that I want and value the privilege to use the LifeMinder (NeuroPage)
Jan M. Brown
Virginia
Tickle Box....It's Habit Forming
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