Not looking for advice or a solution here, just venting, but also positive notes because I have experienced some success.

I work with toddlers, and one is hyperfixated on videos. Like specifically and exclusively cocomelon. If they see a computer they immediately make a beeline to try to open it or mand for video. They're also incredibly smart for their age and have figured out where the computers are hidden.

All the other clients in their area have videos as their reinforcement, so I won't ask the other techs to cease video. Not fair to them.

I will be blunt and say the first few days working with them were really difficult. They're not super aggressive, even through they do occasionally pinch and nip. Doesn't hurt me though.

They just cry, flap their arms, and squeal like a pig being slaughtered upon denied or delayed access. Which have been the antecedent for their behaviors. They don't wanna do anything else and the preferred items aren't nearly as alluring as that sweet sweet screen lol.

I'm in a supportive environment, so my coworkers and supervisors have my back. I follow the behavior profile and ignore the behavior until they're calm and I can present alternative choices.

Fortunately, though it's gradual, I have seen increasing tolerance of denied access and they're beginning to enjoy the playground, even tolerating parallel play. Which is where I often take them if there's video, because I have to completely transition them out (I have programs I can run virtually anywhere).

I encourage myself by reminding myself that the behaviors you want to see as they get older, start getting reinforced when they're itty bitty. Also, it's a battle of wills. You need to show that your will is stronger and that you're not gonna recede just because they throw a tantrum.

My client is slowly realizing that. With most things, I think they need time to adjust. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what their home life is like, so it could very be that the screaming is reinforced at home with more cocomelon.

On a positive note, I do capitalize on that fixation for bathroom transitions or to momentarily distract while I jot notes down.