Autism

I always read these things about how you should tell your child they have autism and I always think pssssh I don't have to do that.  I don't know why I always poo poo it in my mind.  But today I was driving Anthony home and Felicity was sleeping and I told him he has autism and that's why it's hard for him to communicate, among other things.  I told him that he was our only kid who had it but that it didn't mean he wasn't as smart, as great, or as loved as the girls, it just meant we had to do some different stuff with him.  I said that's why he went to Little Star and that Mike and I would take care of everything he needs.  I cried quite a bit talking to him but I was wearing my sunglasses so I don't think he knew.  I'm glad I did it.

Occupational Therapy

Last night I was sitting outside Anthony's OT appointment and I could hear it wasn't going well.  "Leave my glasses alone", she was saying and, "ouch! That hurts me!", ugh.  She moved a table and two chairs out of the room that I guess he was climbing on.  I waited until he settled down and then I went out for a walk and when I came back and he finished, the OT and I were talking about why he is so riled up at the beginning of every session.

She said she has other non-verbal kids but none with the cognizance that Anthony has.  I know most mothers would think this but I really think it's true.  He is so smart, and he has all the words, he understands everything, he just can't say it.  She said once she got him some water and a snack he really settled down.  She said she thinks he is thirstier than she thinks he is, and I agree.  I think about how much the girls ask for water, it is ALL they do some days, it seems like.  If Anthony were thirsty half that much, that would still be pretty thirsty!  So we decided I'll bring water and a snack to OT from now on and we'll see if that helps.

I worry so much that he is scared, that he needs something and can't get it.  I'm hopeful that now that he is back full time at Little Star that we can keep working on his communication so he can use his iPad to communicate more needs, maybe even feelings.  Here's to hoping!

Day 26

I am not going to make 40 days, I broke my stupid wrist in Florida and can't type.  But A is doing very well, he is getting back on track with many things, toilet training, therapy, everything.  I missed him when I went to FL, but now that I'm back with my big stupid cast, I have to avoid him so he doesn't hit me.  But he's doing well overall and I'm mostly really grateful that he's back at Little Star full time.  Happy Easter!