It's been a while since I have posted... For those who are new to following: Thank You! Life got pretty busy (seems likethat's my excuse every single time I fall off the blogging world). I have started a new job...so after 4+ years of being a stay at home mommy...I am now a working mom again! Logan is adjusting well. Much better than I expected. :)
His favorite things right now are: Legos, dinosaurs, documentaries (all things ocean, animals, planets, and cooking), playing/doing obstacle courses with our dog, and school recess. He likes most foods, however, he is becoming more picky as he grows older. He loves deep pressure and massage - he actually asks for it now. The weighted blanket has been a lifesaver. Recently he has become a little "teacher." He enjoys explaining how things work, why things happen, cause and effect, etc. It is so awesome to listen to him tell me the reason things happen. He listens to everything and soaks it in like a sponge.
In the last few months we have made significant progress. Logan is slowly learning to understand joking (not with everyone, but with Neil and I). The other night he helped me cook desert. I wasn't going to have any so I placed 4 plates on the table...but I put his plate where my spot is. He looked at me and smiled and said "Mommy, I know you are joking because you have a smile on your face. I can laugh now." For him to recognize that is HUGE. We have worked so hard to get to this point!
Another big thing he did was introduce himself to another child. If you aren't familiar with Autism, doing something like this is another HUGE gain. Social skills do not come easy. We were down at Riley in the waiting room at Dr. Walsh's office. I was verifying all the info was up to date and getting ready to pay our co-pay when I completely froze. I heard him say "My name is Logan, what's your name?" to a little boy sitting at the computer. The registration ladies celebrated in the joy when I exclaimed "Did you just hear him?! He just introduced himself! Do you know how long I have waited to hear that?!" It was the best ever. Logan and the little boy sat at the computer and just played to their hearts content.
He is taking baths - and not screaming. This is another big step. We have gotten to the point where he will actually put his head back in the water and let me wash his hair. He's learning to trust that I will do it carefully and slowly (as not to get water on his face).
He's learning to ask for help! I feel that a lot of his meltdowns come from frustration, lack of confidence, and fear of failure. He doesn't want to try if he is afraid he won't be successful. This can be buttoning his pants, putting together a lego set, puzzles, learning to ride his bike, etc...things that require fine/gross motor skills. Last night we had a half an hour meltdown because his car "broke." When I tried to help him put it back together, he lost it. He wanted to do it himself, but after his first failed attempt, he threw himself on the floor and sobbed for a good 20 mins. I gave him his space, then had him hold my hands while I did it... then I held his hands and helped him to do it...by the end of the night he had mastered how to put the top of the car back on. I think it's about helping him to be patient and building his self confidence.
Last month, Logan was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome in addition to his ASD. I am still in denial a little over it. We have had 3 specialists confirm the diagnosis, but I still have a hard time accepting this. I don't know what the deal is...maybe a little embarrassment over the stereotypical stigma attached to Tourette's...and then again a part of me really believes he doesn't have it. So I won't really elaborate much there. Maybe some other time.
I am so thankful for the progress we have witnessed in the last few months. It always seems like a rollercoaster. He will regress, progress, and plateau. I am completely enjoying the progress at the moment! :) Thank you for catching up. I've missed this place! ;)
Autumn
His favorite things right now are: Legos, dinosaurs, documentaries (all things ocean, animals, planets, and cooking), playing/doing obstacle courses with our dog, and school recess. He likes most foods, however, he is becoming more picky as he grows older. He loves deep pressure and massage - he actually asks for it now. The weighted blanket has been a lifesaver. Recently he has become a little "teacher." He enjoys explaining how things work, why things happen, cause and effect, etc. It is so awesome to listen to him tell me the reason things happen. He listens to everything and soaks it in like a sponge.
In the last few months we have made significant progress. Logan is slowly learning to understand joking (not with everyone, but with Neil and I). The other night he helped me cook desert. I wasn't going to have any so I placed 4 plates on the table...but I put his plate where my spot is. He looked at me and smiled and said "Mommy, I know you are joking because you have a smile on your face. I can laugh now." For him to recognize that is HUGE. We have worked so hard to get to this point!
Another big thing he did was introduce himself to another child. If you aren't familiar with Autism, doing something like this is another HUGE gain. Social skills do not come easy. We were down at Riley in the waiting room at Dr. Walsh's office. I was verifying all the info was up to date and getting ready to pay our co-pay when I completely froze. I heard him say "My name is Logan, what's your name?" to a little boy sitting at the computer. The registration ladies celebrated in the joy when I exclaimed "Did you just hear him?! He just introduced himself! Do you know how long I have waited to hear that?!" It was the best ever. Logan and the little boy sat at the computer and just played to their hearts content.
He is taking baths - and not screaming. This is another big step. We have gotten to the point where he will actually put his head back in the water and let me wash his hair. He's learning to trust that I will do it carefully and slowly (as not to get water on his face).
He's learning to ask for help! I feel that a lot of his meltdowns come from frustration, lack of confidence, and fear of failure. He doesn't want to try if he is afraid he won't be successful. This can be buttoning his pants, putting together a lego set, puzzles, learning to ride his bike, etc...things that require fine/gross motor skills. Last night we had a half an hour meltdown because his car "broke." When I tried to help him put it back together, he lost it. He wanted to do it himself, but after his first failed attempt, he threw himself on the floor and sobbed for a good 20 mins. I gave him his space, then had him hold my hands while I did it... then I held his hands and helped him to do it...by the end of the night he had mastered how to put the top of the car back on. I think it's about helping him to be patient and building his self confidence.
Last month, Logan was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome in addition to his ASD. I am still in denial a little over it. We have had 3 specialists confirm the diagnosis, but I still have a hard time accepting this. I don't know what the deal is...maybe a little embarrassment over the stereotypical stigma attached to Tourette's...and then again a part of me really believes he doesn't have it. So I won't really elaborate much there. Maybe some other time.
I am so thankful for the progress we have witnessed in the last few months. It always seems like a rollercoaster. He will regress, progress, and plateau. I am completely enjoying the progress at the moment! :) Thank you for catching up. I've missed this place! ;)
Autumn
