Holidays/Progress

Halloween is quickly approaching....

I read an article about children with autism and holidays such as Halloween.  Costumes, makeup, and wigs, etc. may aggrevate sensory concerns for some children.  Candy may be allergenic, and the general concept itself can be a challenge--364 days of the year you knock on a door then enter, but 1 day you don't?  There was a story of a mom with 3 autistic daughters who had to chase one up the stairs of a strangers home.  She just didn't understand the concept of the holiday.  Why couldn't she go in?

I feel blessed that Aiden doesn't seem to have such concerns.  So far he has enjoyed wearing his costume, and even trys to put it on himself.  I've never tried to put makeup on his face.  I don't think he would sit still for that.  Candy hasn't caused concern, and last year he did just fine Trick or Treating.  He didn't have a clue what was happening, but he seemed to do alright following our lead.  However, I'm a little sad that I can't ask Aiden what he wants to be for Halloween.  I'm certain he has no idea what his costume is for.  He still struggles with making decisions, so even giving him a choice between 2 costumes doesn't work out so well.  On the postive side, (and there always is a positive), we can't afford costumes this year, so we borrowed some from a friend who--I'm certain--can create almost anything.  Aiden is going to be a dragon this year because of her :)  Austin will be a green dragon, and Aiden will be a blue dragon.  I have a lot of pictures of them chasing each other in costume!

Aiden is making very good progress.  He is saying more sentences, or at least, trying to put more words together such as, "no diaper change".  His vocabulary is extensive.  I'm hoping one day it just "clicks," and he finally figures out how to put those words into appropriate sentences.  Potty training is an "adventure" I'm postponing for many reasons.  Aiden is getting harder and harder to change.  He fights it every time.  I need to start small and work my way up (like changing him in the bathroom every time, and telling him this is where we go).  Aiden will be 4 in 3 months.  My goal is to have him potty trained by 4 1/2 or 5 at the latest.  It will just take extra effort!