Speaking in Sentences

It's been a couple of weeks since I've written and I'm actually glad because it gives me time to look at my last post and see how much more progress we've made! Sean is still saying "Mom", though sometimes, like now, because he's congested, he's calling me "Bomb". Or maybe that's just Sean's way of trying to call me a bad word when he's frustrated with me! Though Mike's serene nature seems to dominate Sean's persona, there is a little bit of a temper that flares up when he gets angry, which surely comes from my side of the gene pool.

Sean is now making requests in complete sentences. For example, "Mom, I want a(n) applebar." or "Mom, I want the tom pu ta (computer)". These are extraordinary steps that our little guy has taken in such a short period of time. It's almost overwhelming at times to hear him speak. This morning after waking up and coming into our room, Sean pointed to the bathroom and said, "bathroom". Now please understand and keep in mind that Sean's speech is brand new and sounds it in some regards. Many of his words have become EXCELLENT approximations that other people are now beginning to understand. This is simply amazing, and we have real hope, for the first time, that our little guy will learn to speak. He's doing it already!

Sean is supposed to have a programmed hand held augmentative communication device sent home from school, but we are still waiting. I'm not sure for what. Our IEP was over a month ago and there's been no word on its whereabouts. I think I would probably be way more upset about the wait if it wasn't for the explosion in speech that we're currently seeing. But since I have my own way of helping Sean because I am present at his sessions with Jen so I can emulate what she's doing at home, I'm not worked up about it - yet. The flow of therapy from office to home has been so important to his progress.

We still are going to try Valtrex with Sean. I think we may see some good results from that. But we won't know anything until we give it a try. Hopefully insurance will cover it. Wait, did I just say that? Insurance? Cover something pertaining to Sean's autism? I'm laughing so hard I'm almost crying right now. No wait, they do pay for CVS brand Pull Ups. I can't complain about that.

Also, I wanted to mention Halloween. Sean was a cowboy! I didn't buy him a cowboy hat, only the horse that gets strapped onto the poor victim who's got to wear it. He was excellent! He even kept the hat on that the girls gave to him in the classroom. Since I came up to Tawanka for all the spooky festivities, I got to see the kids in action for this event. They all did a terrific job with trick or treating to the other classrooms and in participating in the day's events. I loved playing with them, most were very responsive to my attempts at engaging them in the organized activities that were set up. It takes a lot of energy to deal with even one autistic child, let alone a classroom full. These teachers, aides, and therapists deserve so much more money in their paycheck! Whatever they make, it's not nearly enough for the work they are required to do throughout their day in caring for our kids with extra needs. So thank you! I know that Sean is very happy at school, and that means so much to us.

The following day, Saturday, all the kids were out playing on our court. Sean actually went outside to be with everybody. It was really neat to see him show interest in being with the other kids. They were so sweet in interacting with him, and he seemed like he was taking it all in and learning from them. Of course we still have a long way to go in getting Sean to do all things "typical", but we're crossing things off the list like crazy right now at lightning speed with no signs of slowing up. It's a very exciting time for us and for Sean. He can now use language to express himself instead of having to point or pull us or use a picture. Can any of us imagine how that must feel for him? His self esteem must be going through the roof!

Will give more updates as I have them. By the way, Sean is still using the toilet everytime he needs to go. We've had zero accidents. I am one of the happiest moms in the world!! Go Sean!!!