Growing Up

The theme lately for Bug has been growth and maturing.

Mentally and physically...I feel like I just sewed him new clothes!

While we've been fighting off multiple rounds of sickness, Bug has been amazingly accepting of the lack of routine. Even if he is unhappy about something, he typically doesn't get too worked up, and calms down very quickly. I had to take him to the doctor last week, and I was amazed at how cooperative he was. He definitely wasn't happy about being there, but he stood on the scale by himself for the first time and made an effort to comply with the doctor's requests during the physical exam. Eventually the anxiety/uncomfortableness did take over, but it was a much better experience than we've had in a long time.

Miss Frances and I have noticed a huge improvement in Bug's willingness to try new fine motor activities and explore his surroundings. She tried a Lite-Brite with him for the first time, and after modeling a couple times, physically helping him once, he was able to put the pegs in by himself! He even seemed to like it!

He doesn't love coloring, but will do a little at least. We are still working on getting him to draw lines, but again, while he isn't particularly interested, he's at least not resistant. I've been trying to relate it to letters, which at least provides some motivation.

Today I met with his teacher and school SLP to review his IEP. We made a few changes to his goals (adding stuff about improving transitions and requesting help when needed) but for the most part, Bug is making great progress and everyone is super impressed with how well he's doing! :D Even at school he's beginning to step outside his comfort zone. His teacher said that while he has a hard time being in the gym (because of the echoing--too much sensory input) he's started to explore and move away from the teachers. He also engages in parallel play with the other boys in class, which is a HUGE step forward!

I've got some sensory ideas to run past Frances to help Bug focus a little better in speech and school, and want to work on some of the fine motor stuff at home too. I feel like we have a little bit more opportunity now that he's not as resistant and we can do some activities with both boys.

All around, we are so proud of this kiddo and how much he's grown in the past year. It's hard to believe that we've only been in private therapy for about a year!