April 9
We're back in the swing of things with Luke's schedule. The BIs are pleased with his increase in language and his focus on the programs. The preschool assistant wrote "Who is this boy? We are amazed!" and commented that he is much more aware of his surroundings, much more social (playing with other children for 30+ minutes!) and "his comprehension seems to be on par with his classmates". He also had the school district psychologist review him today (Friday) during classtime in preparation for a meeting next week Thursday where we discuss his transition to kindergarten. Our funding is greatly reduced after July 31 as the majority of the money allotted goes directly to the school of our choice (to pay for an assistant/services).

On a sad note, our longest employed BI, Ms. S., has decided to pursue other options in the field of autism. While were are disappointed that she is leaving, we're incredibly grateful for all she's done for Luke and her commitment to him. We wish her all the best as she continues her career and studies and are certain she will be employed very quickly, given her experience and capabilities. Here at home, however, we pray her vacant position will be filled quickly as we only have 3.5 months left of intensive ABA therapy.

One of our previous employees, Ms. A., came to visit with Luke and Joel and was very impressed with Luke's progress. She laughed as she heard the two play and "converse in their special language". It was enjoyable to sit and talk while the two boys entertained themselves (and us). She was cajoled into a few rounds of "Hide and Seek" by the boys which I think she enjoyed (especially when you can ask Joel where he is... and he'll tell you! haha!). Luke said her name nice and clear and warmed up to her fairly quickly. Ms. A. has almost completed her two years of school to become a teacher and believed her time with Luke prepared her for many incidents and issues that came up with the elementary school children in her practicums. She often used Luke as examples in her classroom discussions, as well as produced a few papers on autism. It will be a tremendous asset in today's school system to have experience with autism as there are so many more children being diagnosed, and the behavioural therapy strategies can be applied to learning disabilities of all kinds. We hope to continue to stay in touch with her as she seeks a full-time position as a teacher.

On a personal note, I am afraid I have become a little narrow-minded in my conversation. I have been completely immersed in the world of autism and recovery therapies for the last 2.5 years. I have discovered that when people ask about Luke I get a little over-exuberant in my reply to the point of babbling incoherently. I am beginning to recognize a glazed-look when I go on and on about all kinds of biological and bio-medical jargon, statistics and supplements. It's kind of funny. The other day at a new church, a man literally walked away from me while I was in mid-sentence. Hahahaha. Anyways, food for thought. I guess most people just want the basic, "He's doing amazing" answer and to get on with what they really want to talk about. Heeheehee. Time for me to remember what a real adult conversation is about before they start assuming I'm part-aspberger's and the "little chip didn't fall too far from the potato"... hahahaha.

I finally had a chance to upload the HBOT photos... click here.

Here's the photo of Luke eating a whole apple (unbelievable!)

April 17
Luke has been amazing people everywhere. Thursday morning the BI was in tears because he mastered a maze all by himself (no physical or verbal prompting... all by HIMSELF). He has also (finally) mastered patterning which was a very difficult concept for him for the last 6 months. Unfortunately, we will be without a BI for longer than I would like as the replacement will most likely be a new person so we will have to pay for her training as well as wait until she's ready (a few weeks) to begin. I get really disappointed by these delays especially now that there's only 3.5 months left, but it has always worked out in the end so I will try not to worry. We will have to begin making some decisions about what to do after July (when Luke turns 6 and the majority of the funding goes to the School District).

Thursday was also the Kindergarten Transition meeting and I was a little intimidated by the turnout: OT (and an OT-in-training), PT, SLP from the School District, the school psychologist, the principal, the kindergarten teacher, the school's learning assistant, our two BCs (S&K) and our preschool coordinator, as well as the woman who coordinated this whole meeting. That's 12 people plus me. Wow. I said a little spiel about Luke and passed around photos; and the people that work with him said their piece. The blog is very helpful to everyone, as well as the back-and-forth book. Luke will be enrolled this fall in the morning class (half days), 5 days a week (fall 2011 kindergarten will be full-time). We will begin with full support for him, and then be able to learn more about his needs and hopefully pull back the support as necessary. I am not only excited about this new milestone, but extremely appreciative of this wonderful team of people that are invested and interested in Luke's inclusive education. It's just so great.

Friday afternoon Luke, Joel and I went to visit the book-keeper (for our home-based business Signet Studio), and her husband. We usually stay for 15 minutes or so and Mr. J. entertains the boys while Mrs. P. and I talk. This time, Mr. J. took them outside and they played for an hour and half, running around, rolling balls down the hills of their expansive back yard. It was so fun to watch, and especially see Mr. J. and Luke interact in this social way as Luke has always been too reserved to engage in play. Even Mrs. P. noticed Luke's physical confidence, and both were so pleased to finally hear his cute little voice. I was very proud of both boys and Mr. J. seemed to have a lot of fun with them. Afterwards, Mr. J. gave them a water bottle to split and Luke has never successfully drank from one of these on his own before... but he did today, listening to Mr. J.'s advice to "tip it". It was pretty neat to see him both try and succeed... I think we'll have to give him more opportunities to try new things and step out of his comfort zone, as he seems so willing and daring now. (Bring on the bike??!?).

April 20
Luke did another maze again today all by himself. Complete with commentary (as he was doing it) "not that way!" as he went down the wrong path. How adorable! It's on the fridge of course!! Yay Luke.

We missed Parent Observation Day at his preschool yesterday because Luke has a cold again. Yesterday was the worst of it, so today's he's full schedule again, and not miserable at all. I did go for his Parent Teacher interview today and here are their comments:
"Luke's growing confidence in his skills and abilities has enabled him to branch out into the Math and Language areas of the classroom. He is currently working ... with isolating beginning sounds. Luke is also working with cards and counters introducing concepts of odd and even." Luke has been trying to sing (one or two words) and sign one or two times during a song. He is much more focused on his "lessons" with the teachers (used to look away bored half-way through, now he stays put until the lesson is finished). His talking is amazing, with full sentences and more spontaneous talk... he used to repeat what was said, or you'd have to ask him "Yes or No?" but now he responds appropriately. He is thinking more and more. The one preschool teacher talked with his new kindergarten teacher who asks "Does he act up?" and the answer was "No... he's quiet and respectful and just needs some prodding." As far as his understanding of phonics (sounds of letters) he's even ahead of some of the typical children that will be entering kindergarten this fall (although Luke is a year older than the other kids of course). His running is amazing, and he's more involved with the other children. He knows how to play "Duck, Duck, Goose" and loves it as well as Mr. Wolf (all without hand-holding, completely independent). This is so great to hear. Hopefully his language continues to improve, as well as his socializing.

He has regressed a little, due to the cold I think, but I no longer worry as he'll bounce back and then leap forward. We have another appointment with Dr. Wagstaff in May and have appointments with the OT and PT and SLP over the next few weeks.

April 24
Daddy took Luke to get his haircut today, and we were both nervous. Luke has been unusually silly and bratty... giggling when he gets into trouble, and constantly testing our boundaries. We've had to set down some pretty stern rules including no more jumping on the furniture (stopped being cute after Luke proceeded to take off his shoes and jump all over the neighbours couch yesterday). Anyways, according to daddy Luke was awesome. Climbed up onto the hairdresser's chair all by himself and sat there without daddy having to intervene. At one point the lady asked if he liked getting his haircut and he replied "Ya". Even leaned his head forward when she asked him to. He was perfect. And when he came home he said to me "I got a present" and showed me his little orange jumping frog. Pretty neat.

Just now he came walking into our office with a deep plastic drawer on his head (we have those plastic 4-drawer units for all their toys and they often get dumped out so they can stand on them upsidedown and jump off them - ayiyiyi, boys). He said to me "I got a hat", and smiled... (what clever imagination).

Yesterday at preschool Ms. M. commented that she did not have to "hand-hold" Luke at the playground at all. Usually she hovers over him and guides him. This day, she sat on the bench and just watched as Luke ran from group to group absorbing the children's conversation and interacting a bit. Not perfectly, as he does not often respond to people's attempts at conversations or play, but this is a big step towards a social life! The preschool people were also dealing with his "silliness" and I'm sure it was as frustrating for them as it was for us.

I should probably document the regressions, so I can remember for next time. He has thrown tons of toys behind the wardrobe in his room. This is one of his games. I've told him they're gone (and I mean it - I ain't lifting that heavy thing!). He seems okay with that. Whenever he asks me where a specific toy is, I say "I don't know, probably behind the wardrobe and it's gone". He moves on quickly. The other bothersome game is the "fall off" game... this has been a persistent activity since I don't know when. Today he spent a good part of the afternoon stacking/balancing tiny toys on the coffee table and then pushing them off the edge altogether. Oh well. According to one of our BIs Luke will be a Physics Professor complete with corduroy blazer and leather elbow patches... aloof and married to his work; with a wry and dry sense of humor which no one really gets and so he thinks everyone's a bit daft, so he chuckles to himself. Hahaha. I don't even want to discuss Joel's future, but I'm sure it involves bungee jumping and culinary cooking (between the no-fear concept and a total fascination with snacks and candy lately). I digress. Another regression is touching my face. This was gone completely and has annoyingly returned. I do realize that I often touch his face (perhaps he's returning the sentiment?). Luke will often pull my face towards him and wait patiently until I smile. Usually it doesn't take much, beautiful blue eyes!, but I've been sick these past few days and super-cranky. Fortunately for the boys I've also lost my voice, so they seem to think they can get away with more I think... lost my ability to holler at them! They're a bit sick as well so there's a little extra whining all around the house. Makes for some super-fun cabin fever!

BTW, Ms. S. has officially left and we tried not to cry. Totally sucks. Hopefully we'll stay in touch as she would love to do respite... which means I should plan a getaway for Dave and I! I'll have to get on that....

April 26
Luke was such a total brat today. It sucked. Ms. S. and M. (OTs) were here today and Luke was behaving horribly. From constantly throwing things (naughty step at least 4 times), to using scissors incorrectly, to pushing as many of S.'s buttons as possible. I was disappointed in him. I'd like to excuse it as he's still not feeling 100% but regardless, it was a waste of their time. The only thing he complied with was sitting on the toilet so we could see the possibilities for teaching him to wipe himself. It does not help that I am still not feeling well, so I'm sure I set a nice cranky tone for the house. There should be a government service where moms get "respite" when they're sick so they can take a few days to get better rather than be sick for weeks as they continue the daily slog. Sorry, still cranky obviously.....

April 30
OK. I'm off the pity train (no one likes a whiner). Was a busy week, but we were all still in recovery mode. Luke is slowly coming back to us... but is still obsessed with his "fall-off" game. Not sure if that will be resolved anytime soon. Other than that, we're coping, despite having low energy. The boys have been out on the trampoline a lot and rediscovering the back yard now that spring is sort of here. Luke has been saying "I'm not going to fall off" quite a bit or "I'm not going to spill" (when bringing his empty plate to the counter after meals). I truly believe he has a deep anxiety of falling and spilling. When he used to trip or spill something he would cry and cry (when he was 2-3 years old). He had such an wonky vestibular system, that he could not even lean back at one point. Now that he can vocalize a bit and voice his fear, I realize that this anxiety will not be easily dismissed. He continues to take toys and make them "fall-off" and he seems mesmerizd by what happens; is he working through this issue slowly on his own with other objects? I hope over time he will become more physically secure and less fearful (although he's already come a VERY very long way).

One other neat thing that stands out in the past week of otherwise worrisome regression: Two kids from preschool were running past our vehicle the other day and Luke was watching them quite intently. I asked Luke "Who is that?" not expecting any reply. After a bit, he replied "Daniel". And I knew he was right. This is a pretty big deal for Luke to see beyond himself (or at least for us to have confirmation that he notices other's actions that are more than 10 feet away)... and especially for him to recognize and name the boy. I was proud.

Good news: Ms. H. has agreed to work with Luke M-W-F afternoons from 12-3. She will be with us until Luke's contract ends at the end of July. We're very pleased to have a complete team again, and so quickly. We look forward to watching Luke continue to progress in these last few months of intense intervention.