 |
| 8 Going on 18 |
I tried to explain that there was no school or therapy to go back to YET, but as soon as there was we would go back. I know he would have preferred a more challenging summer, but it was a good combination of "stuff to do" and relaxation, let alone an earthquake and a hurricane!
James had a few "firsts," including an upside-down roller-coaster (thank you L&S!), steering a real truck (via our lovely - and carzy - neighbor), and independently riding a two-wheeled bicycle (all Dad's doing). James ate new foods: a plum, onion rings, and a bagel. Not to mention the wild glimpses into James' mind that is provided by his iPad!
There were some incidents, melt-downs and crying jags. Tempers flared all around. Once James typed "Severe Daddy" after David lost his temper. I asked James what that meant. It wasn't until a bit later that I got "Make. Dad. feld (sic). Bad." Unbelievable. Of course, all this is a bit frustrating too because James doesn't really write much more then he can say or get across. Still, what is important for me to remember here, it is that it is LESS frustrating for James. It eases his mind. For instance, today, James started whining as soon as we got into his sensory gym. It was very early, no one else was in the center yet. What could it be? Finally, I got out the iPad and asked what was wrong. He chose the buttons for "I feel" "sad" on his communication application. But WHY James? He clicked the icon for the center, then "basement" and "interactive metronome" AH-HAH!!!! The basement, unfortunately like many in the area, was severely flooded and is off-limits for the time being. James is sad he can't work on the program in the basement computer room. I told his therapist who gave him a big hug and explained that they would do lots of other fun things instead. It worked.
1 comment:
that picture is SERIOUSLY gorgeous. i love the progress he is making, especially the communication!! and of course the toilet training. you will likely see jumps now. once he can be more clear about what he specifically wants and/or can question what is going on (and when) so you can explain/respond disruptions or delays, i think you will see him relax and enjoy things more. i know you hate the schedules but they make things more clear when he can't ask so easily. hsame with the FIRST THEN cards. seems he wanted to go back home or know when he was going back home and back to school. and when he was going to the basement or why not or what is going on instead, etc. he was fine with the changes but maybe he didnt know what was going on and wanted to know but couldnt ask. it may not be that he wants to go right then and there, but that he wants to know when he will go there and why not and what instead. like any kid. kids in preschools on up (and us) flounder around wondering what is coming up next if there are no schedules or familiar structure. anyway. that was S's first time too going upside down. she refused to go on the rock and roller coaster at disney even though the other kids repeatedly went on. James was likely the reason she had the courage to do it. not sure why, maybe she did sense that he also was a bit afraid or unsure like her?
i hope his teacher can proceed along as you are with helping him make his requests and questions understood. if they won't allow ipad, i think there are other devices that might function in a similar way. i touch has the same apps but even something more simple. and i hope his new class is peaceful and pleasant.
keep us posted!!!!
Post a Comment