I spent the morning talking to Owen about the bus. He kept repeating “Ride the bus home.” The art of conversation is something that needs to be taught and he often uses words in his stimming and emotions. I am continuing to work with him to find other words to express his emotions about the bus and why he wants to talk to me about it. I love his love for the bus and I want him to be able to tell me why it makes him “happy” along with so many other things he loves.
We got dressed and went outside to wait for the bus. He stood waiting for one of the happiest moments of his day. It’s the calmest he ever is, hardly moving, and almost always completely standing still. And then the movement begins as soon as he sees the bus turn the first corner. Then he moves a little to see it pass by looking over one of the buildings. He waits until it gets to the corner and comes running towards me. The joy is in those moments. It’s amazing to watch and I’m thankful it makes him so incredibly happy.
His shoe fell off and tumbled out the doors when he walked up the steps of the bus. It was like my emotions all morning as he yelled one more time “Ride the bus home.” I think and overthink how to help him understand how to connect his words with his thoughts. I know we will get there. I retrieved his shoe and the aide helped him put it back on him as he was whisked away to one of his happy places.
He came home from school and I got his snack ready. We had a few minutes before we had to leave to go to his appointment. He asked for a video he hadn’t seen in years that he used to go directly to an app to watch but now he has to go to YouTube for the video. He never forgets a thing. At first, I didn’t know what he was asking me but then it dawned on me which video he was talking about. This one video caused more meltdowns because it wasn’t where it was supposed to be. He quickly somehow found it on YouTube and was very happy.
On the way to his therapy, he was watching a video about goats. It was great because he was being so descriptive about it. The repetitive words were gone and the descriptive words flowed. Oh, how I wish I could figure out how to translate this into more of his moments. He is so much calmer when he knows how to explain something. One day at a time I remind myself and tell myself look how far he has come.
He did great at his appointment except repeating all of his words. We were meeting his grandma at Dairy Queen and he wanted to make sure she was wearing the right clothes and that she was bringing her tablet. “It’s nighttime,” he kept repeating all through dinner. He couldn’t understand that it was still so bright out because the last time it was dark when we went.
The ride home went fine and before long it was ready to start the bedtime process all over again. I pray tomorrow for more questions answered and a great day for my sweet baby O. Believe in yourself and the rest will follow. Smiles to all and donut daze!