Saturday, May 30, 2015

Windows

In our living room, we have 6 large windows. When Justin was about a year old, he decided to climb up into one of the windows.

Well, he ended up outside on the ground crying in the rain.

After that day, I was trying to think of something to put over the windows to protect him.

Than one day it came to me, gates.

So all the windows now have gates in front of them. This has worked, he does like to climb up on the ledge of the windows. He'll hold the top of the gates, and look out.

Friday, May 29, 2015

Hearing Test

Today Justin had an appointment for a hearing test.

This was recommended by the center who tested him for autism.

This do to the fact that many times, a delay in speech can be caused by ear problems.

We were in and out in about half an hour. We sat in a darkish room, with the examiner on the other side of a window. There were three props used, each making a different noise while moving around at the same time.

He got a good report, no hearing issues !

Thursday, May 28, 2015

To School or Not to School

I have been contemplating whether or not to put Justin into public school.

I homeschool my other children.

I am wondering if it would benefit him.

My concern is he will be made fun of or teased, and not thrive in that environment.

I would love to hear your advice, stories, pros or cons about this !

My Grandma and I


Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Patience is a Virtue

Having an autistic child means needing a lot of patience.

You need patience with any child, but with an autistic child it's magnified.

Up until Justin was three and a half yrs. old he was quiet, he played by himself, and he was virtually non-verbal.

Than he started his speech and occupational therapies, and he started coming out of himself. He started talking, and he was no longer just quiet.

Which is great !

What I didn't anticipate, was some of the other behaviors that came out also. I wasn't quite prepared for the transformation.

Everyday is a different day with Justin. It takes a bounty of patience and love.

What surprised me was my ability to adjust, and how I've changed because of it is amazing. I am also a different person.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Autistic child bowling


Gate Hopping

We have three gates that block off dangerous areas from Justin. He has always known he could go over them, but he has just started doing it knowing it's a no-no.

The no aspect of it seems to fuel his ambitions even more !

One of the gates leads into the kitchen, another into the basement, and the third leads up the hallway to the other part of the house.

Once in the kitchen, he loves to turn the faucet on, and drink juice that's sitting in cups on the counter.

He never has tried to go into the basement.

His favorite gate to hop is the one leading up the hallway to the other part of the house. He likes to run into the bathroom, and play in the toilet water. He will also turn on the sink. Or, he will run into the family room.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Potty Time

About a week ago, after I changed Justin's diaper he said, "Pee." So I asked him," Do you want to go pee on the potty ? " He said, " Pee" again, so I took him to the toilet and he proceeded to pee in the toilet.

I got out the little potty chair, and he's been going pretty good. Sure he has accidents, but I didn't even know it he would be able to go in the toilet. I wondered if I'd be changing diapers when he was an adult.

I'm so proud of him, and his efforts !

It's a one step forward, two steps backwards. Any progress is good, even if it's baby steps !

Justin learning to go in potty


To Drink or Not to Drink

Justin has entered a phase where he takes his juice from his sippy cup, and spits it into other containers. Than he proceeds to drink it. Or pour it from container to container, or on the floor.

I'm at a loss how to exactly address this.

I've tried putting him in his room for a time out. I've tried giving him small amounts of juice. I've also taken the containers he's putting the juice into away.

So far, I haven't found a solution.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Baby Steps

Justin tried macaroni and cheese for the first time today, and he liked it.

Autistic children tend to be very finicky when it comes to new foods. Justin eats a handful of foods which include spaghetti O's, spaghetti and meatballs, grapes, cereal, and various snack type foods.

He has been at least trying new things lately.

He ate mashed potatoes a few nights ago for the first time too.

Friday, May 22, 2015

What it's like Having an Autistic Child

I've had people ask me, "What is it like to have an autistic child ?"

The best comparison I found is a movie.

Every day starts new, there's the opening scene. This sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Next, the plot starts to develop.

As the day continues, the plot thickens.

In Justin's case, just like a movie the day goes from scene to scene. He can be totally happy, than all of a sudden he is crying and upset. He can be in a mischievous mood, and morph into a really good mood. Some days, Justin is in a really bad mood, these days are usually the hardest.

When Justin is in a really bad mood, he does not listen to what he is told to do or not do. He also tends to do things he knows he is not supposed to do. He will do them over and over again.

Sometimes, there are days when scenes jump from one right to another with no warning.

Towards the end on a movie, usually the plot peaks and than slowly lets the viewers down.

This is the same with an autistic child. Whatever the scene has been for the day, by the end of the day it's reached it's peak and morphs into bedtime.
#autism

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