Life is good!
Today was Aiden's first day of school (orientation). I was so excited to tell his Occupational Therapist about all the progress he made over the summer!
Aiden is learning new words nearly every day. A month or so ago I started doing some simple flash cards with him. He got a little more than half correct (ball, cat, dog, etc.). Now, he says them all...even the "harder" ones! Aiden continues to love animals. He knows most of them, and will even sign them! He LOVES "Signing Time" DVD's, and as much as I don't want him to watch a lot of TV, it really helps him A LOT. With that, me talking like a speech therapist all day, books, and Little Einstein DVD's, Aiden is "catching on"! To my utter delight, Aiden is starting to speak in short sentences. He used to pull me to the fridge, or shove the cup in my face when he wanted more juice or milk. Now he says, "more milk please". I cried the first time he said it. And it didn't stop there. Aiden asked me for "more popcorn please" just the other day. I was a little heartbroken when I had to tell him it was gone. My son said a sentence correctly, and I can't give him what he wants! Tonight, while looking for Austin's blanket, Aiden handed it to me and said, "here". That may not seem like a big deal, but for Aiden that was a giant step forward. He is starting to respond to his environment, show more eye contact, greet other children (usually with a hug and/or a kiss), and speak more and more on his own (vs. echolalia-type speech where he just repeats the words).
While all these things are a complete and utter miracle, I do know that it is still a long road ahead. When adults talk to him, it is common for Aiden to "growl" and act unusual. The other day at the store, Aiden was flat on his stomach in the middle of an aisle pushing a toy car back and forth. Sometimes I wonder what other people think when he does those things. I'm always grateful to see a familiar face who knows Aiden, and where he struggles. I try not to use the word "autism". I don't want Aiden labeled, and so, I let people think what they want, and try to stay strong during those times. It hurts a little, but now I have tremendous empathy for mother's of special needs children.
As with all things in life, there are good times and bad. I'm grateful for an amazing summer with my children. We did so much, and I hope--even in some small way--the things we did helped Aiden. I did the best I could. Now I'm grateful for some help with him--I'm going to need some serious help with potty training--yikes!
Wonderful news. So pleased for you!
ReplyDeleteYou are truely amazing my friend. I learn so much from you. I think you are an amazing mother, and I know that what you are doing is what is making the differnce in your kids lives. Love you!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic news! The verbalizations were appropriate and meaningful! You're doing great! I think nothing of a child on a floor, rolling a car around. Even at his age...I worry more if the child doesn't know how to roll the car around. My son didn't do this (play appropriately) at that age. You are way ahead! Also, receptive language is really coming along! I know that your goals are high. I know you have "dates" in your head by which he will "catch up" to other kids. These can be disheartening at times, but they also spur you on to do everything you can do for your child. Some kids do catch up to some extent. Some do not. It's ok. It's like going on a trip and you thought you were going to Hawaii, but you ended up in Alaska. it's not where you wanted to go, but you soon find it has it's own beauty and you meet people there that you would never have, otherwise, met. It will be ok, my friend, no matter what the outcome is! I know. By the way, potty training will happen. I guarantee that he will not be wearing training pants to high school. :)
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