Instruction, Orders and Independant Functioning

For a long time if I asked any of my kids to do something simple like "come here" or "get your coat" they looked at me with a blank face or just continued on with what they were doing without a care. Since Eric has started therapy he can identify so many more familiar things in his life and learning so many words. It's all starting to link together. Yesterday he asked me for cheerios. The box was way out of my reach. I asked him to give the box to me. He did it without hesitation. At first you would get these types of responses if and only if you used the exact words that were taught to him. Now he is much more flexible. He will respond to "bring me your shoes" or "go get your shoes". It has gone to this level within the last few weeks.

While he is getting good at taking orders, he's even better at dishing them out! He's been demanding to go outside (when it's a little too cold and late), that I tie, fix or take off his shoes when they are wet from the snow, turn off the porch light (yes, his feet/shoes and lights are still a big thing for him), to take away the spoons and the cups he uses during therapy, go potty, let's go! He is very clear in what he wants. It's great to hear this, even though sometimes I wonder if a monster has been created :-) He is now for the most part dressing himself, he insists on zipping his own jacket. He's mastered turning on the TV, adjusting the volume (way too loud!), getting ready and washing himself in the bath. So many things I thought I would take for granted as a parent. Guess it don't come as naturally as I thought it would. My big guy is growing up.

Welcome and Introducing New Friends

Anyone who visits here regularly may have noticed I have a lot more links at the side of my blog. Look out, I've invaded Twitter! I've actually had an account there for quite a while but haven't really used it much until last month. I was looking on there for something and ran across The Coffee Klatch. This is a chat that takes place on Twitter weekday mornings from 9:00 until 11:00 EST (it's 8 am-10 am here) for parents of special need children. There are many parents here with children on the autism spectrum, this is open to parents of children with any type of special needs. There are topics scheduled for each hour long segment of the meeting. There are many special guest appearances. These are listed on the Twitter page and the Facebook group page for The Coffee Klatch I've met so many wonderful people on here. I can't get on every morning but they are always so welcoming to everyone that joins. I was going to list everyone individually here, but I would forget someone. I am very happy you have come here to join me and my boys on here. The links are on the blog sidebar. Feel free to visit these blogs and websites.

I've been introduced to many great products through this chat. I have a new list of links for sites that provide products and services that can benefit anyone on the autism spectrum and their families. I have done business with many of these folks, others have very strong endorsements from friends and others I trust. Included now is a site that sells autism awareness novelty items, a great place to buy weighted blankets, a wonderful lady that sells chewelry, seamless clothing, a couple of sites that have books, CDs, and DVDs to help with social situations and anxiety. These are just some examples. If your business or website provides any of these kinds of goods or services and you want it listed on my site please contact me.

Your Day Has Come Andy!

Yesterday we met with your new senior therapist and supervisor, did all the paperwork, put together your own binder, and got plenty of attention and time to play with your new friends. Your therapy schedule should be in the mail tomorrow, and the line therapists will be trained and assessments done starting Monday! We can't wait. He has 3 months like Eric to get up to state mandated hours so it will start slow for them to get used to him, and for him to get used to them and the therapy. So far he is loving it. We will see what happens once the real work starts... It's all going to be worth it Andy.

Finally got a recent photo of Andy. Still waiting on a schedule for him. Looks like we have good plans written out.


Ya talkin about me???

Andy, my man of many faces :-)