The repeat train has left the station and then the repeat train left the station again and then the repeat station left the train but we are working on it. I totally understand Owen needs to express his emotions and verify his routine, especially when routine isn’t always routine anymore but I also need him to understand that he can’t be upset with me if I do not reply to every single reference of his teacher or what is happening the next day. Some days it doesn’t happen as much and then other days he gets upset and throws himself to the ground or yells his teacher’s name in my face until I reply. Distraction works better for one of us but we are working on that too. Owen has a memory that is long and he truly doesn’t forget one detail. He may not be able to express it all but he sure doesn’t forget. When I try to distract him or give him cues to move forward from his repetitive behaviors he will still go back to his actions after we have completed the activity that I tried to distract him with. As the night wore on he became happier and more interactive with me until I tried to ask him questions. This is also hard for him. Processing a question and replying with an answer can take him a while to do. Sometimes the questions I ask don’t seem to register with him, other times it is more like a nuisance to him and I should already know the answer. I asked him if he would like some cheese. He completely ignored me. Generally, if he does want something he will say “yes” but if he doesn’t want something I have offered he will scream “no”. However, if he is in another room and I call out to him to answer he will not always reply. Today was filled with all of those moments and a very anxious Owen. He was ready for his Thursday that he kept calling Wednesday the moment he got off the bus. The bus driver told me he was a little more anxious than most days and I knew it was because we didn’t sleep very well. Tomorrow he will go to school and therapy so hopefully, that will help confirm his routine. I finally remembered to put batteries in his singing sharks and he was happy to once again have them in the tub with the song. His new thing is to get out of the tub and weigh himself. It’s a talking scale so when she says his weight he laughs and then runs off to the bedroom. I think laughing is my reaction too when I step on the scale. Bedtime was filled with more anxious moments for him, screaming “blanket please” but he fell asleep in my arms singing a Christmas carol. My heart aches for him on the more difficult days but I remind him he is amazing and can push through it all. Love with all your heart, smile through your day, and know that you are not alone. Smiles to all and donut daze!
RSS Feed