It's funny how skills go in fits and spurts. While I didn't feel like much happened last week, this week we're seeing lots of progress again! I've noticed that Bug is responding more and following simple one-step directions (which is great, because that's one of his therapy goals). He's now pretty good at closing doors when we ask and can even bring us things sometimes. He's started pointing at the letters on Starfall (rather than having us point, or using our hand to point). And huge: the last few days, I've heard him talking. He's using "real" words. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what he was telling me, but I'm feeling very encouraged by this.

We had occupational therapy yesterday and speech today. It was only our second OT session, and Bug was still pretty unsure about Lauren, our therapist. I filled out a sensory assessment (basically a questionnaire about how Bug responds to certain things) so she has a better idea of what his needs are. We are working on introducing the sensory diet a bit more. The first step was the Chewy Tubes (which he's taken to very well!!). Now we're adding in tactile/proprioception activities. Lauren gave us a list of different things we can do or have Bug do to get him the sensory input he needs. Things like firm squeezes on his arms and legs, playing with squishy things like play-doh or shaving cream, moving heavy objects (she suggested he help carry groceries in or moving chairs). The idea is to pick an activity from the list every two hours or so. Once his needs are met, he should hopefully be able to focus a bit better on other activities. So far, Bug is a big fan of the squeezes and I've been using lotion (another thing on the list) and giving him mini-massages. You can just see the processing happen like "Wow, that feels neat!"

Our speech therapist encouraged us to work on clapping or tapping out syllables for words. For example, Bug say "Yo" for "yogurt." If we clap it out that's more input for him that the word is longer. Or when we play "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" tap twice on his shoulders. She did say that it'll be slow going to relearn the words he's known for a while. Young kids don't learn as well using only auditory, so we need to encourage other senses involvement (touch and sight especially). We still need to work on cooperative play. Taking turns reading, putting things away, etc.

We are also looking at other opportunities to introduce FUN social situations to Bug. I discussed Romp N Roll with our OT, and she seemed very encouraging. (Romp n Roll is a kid's gym. They offer classes that mix music or art with physical activity) She said it would be a good way to meet his sensory needs while also encouraging socialization in a way he is likely to find positive. It is kind of expensive, so I think we're going to try out a class before we actually commit.

I also discussed our church issues with our therapist. Bug has a really really tough time going to nursery, but he also isn't really able to sit through a service (especially ours which tend to run 75min or more!). Unfortunately, it's such a negative experience that we've pretty much stopped going to church. We want to branch out and form a good support network at church, but obviously that can't happen if we never go. So our therapist suggested that we try to go to the nursery when no one is there so we can explore things together. Then one of us stays with him the whole time, then every week decrease the amount of time we spend in there. Also talk about going to church--"in a few days" "tomorrow" "today" so he becomes familiar with the routine and the process. Ideally if we could have him connect with one of the nursery staff or be familiar with the other kids who go, he might not have as much trouble adjusting to Mom and Dad not being there.

The two most important things that we have to remember with Bug (and I should write these down and put them everywhere and read them every single day):
Use his strengths (books, memory, physical activity) to "branch out" into more unfamiliar territory
GO SLOW. Baby steps are crucial. He is not going to get "it" all at once.

We are making good progress. I'm feeling excited and encouraged about where we're headed. So steady on!