An Autism Recovery

Encouraging Report from our Miss Jennifer

Good morning!
 
Well, we had an awesome day last thursday!  We had Lunch Bunch with Miles and Abbie the new little girl in the class.  He really likes her!  He made me scoot over during Lunch Bunch so he could sit by her, he wanted her to go first in both games we played and walked out to the playground chatting it up with her!  Oh, and one more thing... I called her Abbie and Logan corrected me by saying "She likes to be called Abigail."  During Lunch Bunch he shared interesting things with the group about his trip to the beach.  I made sure the info was different from the info he shared with the entire class!  I must say my favorite has to be "We got a new car at the airport because ours was at the car hotel!"
 
Outside we worked on joining groups...just getting in the door!  A group of boys where looking for caterpillars and naming them, a group of boys and girls played on the monkey bars, a group of boys and girls raced on the tall slides...  Once he was excepted he did well for one exchange.  For example, one race down the slide, one look around for a caterpillar...and then he would hit the road block.  Typically, he didn't know what to say to stay in the group rather or he didn't read the social clues of the children playing the activity.  I would like to contrive the situations on the playground and decrease the demands on him.  Basically, bring the friends to him!  We would play outdoor games I bring and Logan chooses who will play.  This way we can work on the social ques and language without worrying about doing exactly what the group wants to do.  Logan controls what the group is doing but needs to read the social ques and expressively keep them engaged.  What do you think?  I would like to try it again this week. 
 
Also, I am working with another child out your way and thought he would be a great match for Logan socially.  I see him at school; however, this summer I think he would be a great play date! 
 
Jennifer     

Reflection After A Year

Marathon

We had a great time in Arkansas a few weekends ago. You see, I was running a marathon and as one of my girls from PNP put it, “I bet you were more nervous about Logan’s first trip out of town.” She couldn’t have been more right.

It’s funny, the nerves to run a full marathon never really set in and I have Logan to thank for that.

He made my marathon journey so special. He traveled so well and showed off how much he’s blooming. Six months ago we would never have taken him with us. He wouldn’t have had a good time. But, man oh man, he was social, talking, playing, and eating great! Just like his momma he enjoyed the food and ran his mouth A LOT. He enjoyed the kids even though he still doesn’t “play with” them as much. He sure is getting there, though.

The other reason I was thrilled this weekend is he told me he loved me for the first time WITHOUT A PROMPT! It’s a funny story and I wish I had it on video. I did get some video of me trying to “recreate a moment” but here’s what happened beforehand.

I was eating at the table by myself in Mary’s kitchen while everyone was socializing. Logan sits beside me and says, “Momma, I love you.” I said, “Well, Logan I love you too.” I’m trying to keep my cool here since he has never just said it. I really didn’t want to ruin our moment.

Then he looks at me seriously and says, “And, we’re going to talk about it.” I said, “OK.” He goes on and says, “I just started loving you two or three weeks ago.” I just about fell out laughing but kept my cool and said, “Well, I’ve always loved you.” He started to walk off and that’s where this video picks up. At the end his says, “I love you twenty time two.” Don’t ask me why but I’ll take it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pi_PkaYDnQ

All I can say is that this was a weekend I will never forget for many reasons AND probably one of the best ones of my life.