JP is turning 5. We are getting to that point where it isn't as acceptable that he goes into the ladies restroom. Now, when it is just him and Mom. People are just going to have to deal with it. He is autistic and not able to do it all by himself. However, when Dad is with us we have decided that he should go with Dad to the restroom. (That noise you hear is Mom doing a jig of excitement to finally go to the bathroom alone!)
Well, here comes a new challenge. JP is very focused on words right now. "What does that spell" comes out of his mouth hundreds of times a day. He usually says it and then proceeds to sound it out. (When his interest level is there he can actually read novel materials). And thanks to a Leap Frog video he knows what sound every letter makes. Well, let's just say that men's restrooms are not typically as orderly as womens and there tends to be more "messages" written on the walls.
Here is what Dad heard. "What does that spell? Fffff uh....." The little reader was right on track until Dad stepped in and assured him that he didn't need to be reading that.
Oh boy!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Remember what goes in...will come out!
Watch what you say around your children. This is something "normal" parents learn early on. Some of us young Autism families get complacent. When our children are so young and non verbal we tend to forget that they can be still listening and absorbing. Then they get verbal skills and we face a new challenge. It becomes even more critical that we guard what information they take in. Because what goes in often gets stuck circling around and around in their brain and in our case becomes a mantra that we hear over and over again!
Well, the other day we received an email from an Aunt. It was titled, "Kiddie Poo Rap" and she said it was cute. So I loaded it up. Here is the problem. JP loves music and came scrambling into the room when he heard it. For your reference here is the site.
http://www.ladyskylar.com/swffiles/madeapoop.swf
For those who aren't up to listening, there are three babies rapping that they made a poop and telling their mommy to change them. It is catchy and it is cute. However, my autistic child who stims on songs is now singing the song. I should have known better!
Here is the problem. It took forever to potty train JP because of his communication issues. Even today if he so much as says potty, pee, or poop he gets wisked away to the bathroom. Now imagine his confusion when he gets sent to the bathroom everytime someone hears him singing his song.
The other night, I was sitting the kitchen addressing Christmas cards and Dad was hanging with the boys in the living room. I hear Dad saying, "Well, get to the bathroom then. If you have to poop you better get going". JP wasn't understanding Dad's sense of urgency and I felt the confusion level escalating in the room. So I humbly went in and explained to Dad that JP was singing a song and I had to admit that it was my fault it is now on his concert list.
So on one hand I rejoice that we are getting closer to "normal" with his appreciation of potty humor. Just like a typical child, he thought these babies singing about poop was hilarious but in his situation it makes the whole communication issue of when he needs to use the potty pretty darn difficult!
Well, the other day we received an email from an Aunt. It was titled, "Kiddie Poo Rap" and she said it was cute. So I loaded it up. Here is the problem. JP loves music and came scrambling into the room when he heard it. For your reference here is the site.
http://www.ladyskylar.com/swffiles/madeapoop.swf
For those who aren't up to listening, there are three babies rapping that they made a poop and telling their mommy to change them. It is catchy and it is cute. However, my autistic child who stims on songs is now singing the song. I should have known better!
Here is the problem. It took forever to potty train JP because of his communication issues. Even today if he so much as says potty, pee, or poop he gets wisked away to the bathroom. Now imagine his confusion when he gets sent to the bathroom everytime someone hears him singing his song.
The other night, I was sitting the kitchen addressing Christmas cards and Dad was hanging with the boys in the living room. I hear Dad saying, "Well, get to the bathroom then. If you have to poop you better get going". JP wasn't understanding Dad's sense of urgency and I felt the confusion level escalating in the room. So I humbly went in and explained to Dad that JP was singing a song and I had to admit that it was my fault it is now on his concert list.
So on one hand I rejoice that we are getting closer to "normal" with his appreciation of potty humor. Just like a typical child, he thought these babies singing about poop was hilarious but in his situation it makes the whole communication issue of when he needs to use the potty pretty darn difficult!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Answers
Well, yesterday was a day spent seeking answers.
Baby T had a round of tests all to try to figure out what happened when he lost consciousness on us a few weeks ago. He was amazingly cooperative through a Chest Xray, EEG, EKG, and Echo. All in all it took us nearly 4 hours to get through it and he did it all with a 10 minute nap (on cue) during the EEG! How he managed to fall asleep with dozens of wires taped to his head I do not know but kudos to him!
During the whole affair I kept asking myself is it worth it to subject him to all these tests? Will they even tell us anything? It doesn't feel right to be putting my faith in them to tell me if he is medically okay or not. After all, this is the same establishment that sent us home from the ER having done no tests. They just assured me that healthy babies lose consciousness all the time. Apparently it doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with them. Oh, yeah, and my favorite. "Even if had been a seizure, what does him having a seizure have anything to do with his older brother's autism?" In fact, our tests were at the same hospital. These are the same people that I am now looking to to give me the "all clear". An all clear to what? Autism? They don't even seem to know about Autism so how can they assure me that we aren't going there? Ugh! Make these thoughts leave my head!!!
However last night while reflecting on the day I realized that T was giving us his own answers to our questions.
1. While cruising around the waiting room for the Chest Xray his attention was drawn to an older gentleman sitting nearby. T went to the chair next to him and tried to climb up. He looked at me and pointed to the man's head and said "hat". That was the first time he has said hat. And he referenced me while saying it!
2. While grabbing a bite to eat between tests, T was peeking at a gentleman at the next table. The man was encouraging the game of peekaboo. So I told T that he should say "hi". AND HE DID! He even waved his little hand! That was the first time for the word and the gesture! I haven't even thought to teach him it! He picked it up on his own!!!!
3. We were getting dressed after an exam. I was trying to stay upbeat for the little guy because he still had a long way to go so I said, "Good job Little Man! Give me five!" and put my hand up. I did it without really thinking. (We've been doing this a lot with JP but haven't thought to teach T yet) Of course I figured I would be the one seeking out his hand and giving the five. Nope! He reached right out and slapped my hand and shrieked at the same time. I'm not sure what he said but he continues to do it on cue! Believe me, we practice about every 5 minutes!
They may have performed some expensive tests to verify if his neurons are firing correctly. But I think I like the results we got during the tests.
Of course, I eagerly await theirs as well.
Baby T had a round of tests all to try to figure out what happened when he lost consciousness on us a few weeks ago. He was amazingly cooperative through a Chest Xray, EEG, EKG, and Echo. All in all it took us nearly 4 hours to get through it and he did it all with a 10 minute nap (on cue) during the EEG! How he managed to fall asleep with dozens of wires taped to his head I do not know but kudos to him!
During the whole affair I kept asking myself is it worth it to subject him to all these tests? Will they even tell us anything? It doesn't feel right to be putting my faith in them to tell me if he is medically okay or not. After all, this is the same establishment that sent us home from the ER having done no tests. They just assured me that healthy babies lose consciousness all the time. Apparently it doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with them. Oh, yeah, and my favorite. "Even if had been a seizure, what does him having a seizure have anything to do with his older brother's autism?" In fact, our tests were at the same hospital. These are the same people that I am now looking to to give me the "all clear". An all clear to what? Autism? They don't even seem to know about Autism so how can they assure me that we aren't going there? Ugh! Make these thoughts leave my head!!!
However last night while reflecting on the day I realized that T was giving us his own answers to our questions.
1. While cruising around the waiting room for the Chest Xray his attention was drawn to an older gentleman sitting nearby. T went to the chair next to him and tried to climb up. He looked at me and pointed to the man's head and said "hat". That was the first time he has said hat. And he referenced me while saying it!
2. While grabbing a bite to eat between tests, T was peeking at a gentleman at the next table. The man was encouraging the game of peekaboo. So I told T that he should say "hi". AND HE DID! He even waved his little hand! That was the first time for the word and the gesture! I haven't even thought to teach him it! He picked it up on his own!!!!
3. We were getting dressed after an exam. I was trying to stay upbeat for the little guy because he still had a long way to go so I said, "Good job Little Man! Give me five!" and put my hand up. I did it without really thinking. (We've been doing this a lot with JP but haven't thought to teach T yet) Of course I figured I would be the one seeking out his hand and giving the five. Nope! He reached right out and slapped my hand and shrieked at the same time. I'm not sure what he said but he continues to do it on cue! Believe me, we practice about every 5 minutes!
They may have performed some expensive tests to verify if his neurons are firing correctly. But I think I like the results we got during the tests.
Of course, I eagerly await theirs as well.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Be careful what you wish for...
You know how some of our ASD kids can be alone for hours and not care. JP used to be like this. I am not sure when it changed. I know he hasn’t been interested in his computer time lately. He doesn’t try to play his V.Smile for long stretches of time either. I just figured it was because he had mastered every game and was bored with them. But when did this change? How did it happen?
I think a huge part has been his brother’s entrance into our lives. When T came home, there were times that we had to put JP in front of videos or send him to go play trains. He was fine if he was alone. In fact, he preferred it over the wailing of his brother. However, after about a month, that changed. I remember Dad and I discussing that it felt like JP was a little jealous of the time T demanded. Although it raised concerns that we needed more special (and not just work) time with JP, it made me very excited! It meant that he liked our companionship! It meant that he could be a social being!!!!!
Well, I just realized the other day that JP is never alone anymore. He is so cute about asking us to play with him and I just figured it was a carryover from school. (These play skills are a focus at preschool) But now he actually will not go downstairs by himself. He will not play in his room by himself. This is good, right? Well…
Yesterday, I had put T down for his nap. However, after about 20 minutes he started coughing. And I am still freaked about his episode of a few weeks ago so I went in to settle him back down. However, in order to do so, I had to leave JP’s side. We had been playing trains in his bedroom. So I left him with complete instructions. “Stay here while Mommy puts T back to sleep. I will come back and play trains. Can you wait here for Mommy?” I believe he understood because he said, “Yes”. So I headed to T’s room.
T and I were rocking and fortunately it appeared that he was going to go back to sleep for me. He had his head on my shoulder and his breathing was getting heavy. Then I heard a noise coming down the hall. I knew that I had 2 options: go with it or quickly put T in the crib and likely wake him up. So I went with it.
As JP came into the room I gave him the “Shh” finger. We have worked on this guesture but it rarely works. He smiled and sat down on the floor and began playing with the toys in T’s room. Of course, he picked the loudest car. It has little balls that pop around when you drive it. T immediately popped up and within seconds was on the floor walking over to his big brother.
Now get this, JP gave T the “Shh” finger. Then he looked at me and said, “I don’t think T sleep.”
I think a huge part has been his brother’s entrance into our lives. When T came home, there were times that we had to put JP in front of videos or send him to go play trains. He was fine if he was alone. In fact, he preferred it over the wailing of his brother. However, after about a month, that changed. I remember Dad and I discussing that it felt like JP was a little jealous of the time T demanded. Although it raised concerns that we needed more special (and not just work) time with JP, it made me very excited! It meant that he liked our companionship! It meant that he could be a social being!!!!!
Well, I just realized the other day that JP is never alone anymore. He is so cute about asking us to play with him and I just figured it was a carryover from school. (These play skills are a focus at preschool) But now he actually will not go downstairs by himself. He will not play in his room by himself. This is good, right? Well…
Yesterday, I had put T down for his nap. However, after about 20 minutes he started coughing. And I am still freaked about his episode of a few weeks ago so I went in to settle him back down. However, in order to do so, I had to leave JP’s side. We had been playing trains in his bedroom. So I left him with complete instructions. “Stay here while Mommy puts T back to sleep. I will come back and play trains. Can you wait here for Mommy?” I believe he understood because he said, “Yes”. So I headed to T’s room.
T and I were rocking and fortunately it appeared that he was going to go back to sleep for me. He had his head on my shoulder and his breathing was getting heavy. Then I heard a noise coming down the hall. I knew that I had 2 options: go with it or quickly put T in the crib and likely wake him up. So I went with it.
As JP came into the room I gave him the “Shh” finger. We have worked on this guesture but it rarely works. He smiled and sat down on the floor and began playing with the toys in T’s room. Of course, he picked the loudest car. It has little balls that pop around when you drive it. T immediately popped up and within seconds was on the floor walking over to his big brother.
Now get this, JP gave T the “Shh” finger. Then he looked at me and said, “I don’t think T sleep.”
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