Progress

I wanted to share excerpts from an email and video I received from Matt's therapist this morning.  So encouraging to see as a mom.

"... I love, love, love to work with Matthew.  He is a puzzle in the works.  I am so encouraged with his progress.  Yesterday was really an amazing day.  He was not just conversational for just a little part of the day, he was off and on for the whole day.  I hid things I knew he liked before he came in the room in the morning and after he was there an hour or so he looked at me and said, "I want the drums".  So, I said, "oh, okay, here they are".  Then there were several other items that I did that with.  It was a bit of a test for him.  This was because we came off of a weekend where I knew that his routine of school had not happened for several days.  For him to recall such an appropriate request was awesome.  I can tell that you are working with him at home on a lot of things.  You as parents are the real reason for his growing success.  Your work is what makes the difference.  There is no one else more important or more influential in Matthew's life than his family, most specifically you as parents.

...To  explain the video.  I had made a lengthy video but it will only allow for me to send 42 seconds.... (what a rip off, lol)  We are sitting in circle time in the morning.  Between his legs are weather pictures (sun, snow, clouds, rain, and fog).  When we sing the song we are doing different motions (clapping, rubbing hands, patting knees, etc.).  He is doing all of the motions without my prompting at all.  He is watching the teacher but then does look to me for approval.  He makes great eye contact and continues with the motions as he is looking at me.  He also was pointing to each picture (the right one) as we sang about it.  "

Matt has had a good week at home too.  He initiated play with me a few days ago without any prompting from me at all for the first time I can remember.  I've only caught him lining up items twice this week (that used to be something he did whenever he had the chance).

I'm thankful for these small victories.