After last week's OT, I was dreading today's visit a bit. Austin was non cooperative last week. We made no progress to note. It was also the first day on Banzel, so I tried to shrug it off and not get too discouraged.
This week proved to be quite successful! Although he's still up and down in the mood department, he was much more willing to participate! Our big accomplishment this week...
Austin attempted six times to pull the handle down on his See 'n Say! OT pulled it...Austin sat...waited...looked around...and grabbed the handle! OT helped him pull it down...he sat...waited...looked around...and grabbed it again! This went on six times! No doubt there was a connection there.
Another biggie...he's starting to open his "mailbox" on his "house"! We hide his "cell phone"...close it halfway...and he pulls the lid down and reaches for his phone...The next time it's the same, only we close it a little more...Same scenario. This goes on until it's completely closed. I'm not 100 % convinced he's grasping the object permanence..but I'm thrilled that he's actually functioning a toy! I say I'm not totally convinced because he is still not looking for toys yet. Out of sight, out of mind...he's on to something new. But, it could very well be the beginning of it...I'm hoping anyway.
He's also showing BIG reactions to singing again! He gets SOOOO happy when you start to sing...I don't remember getting this type of reaction since he was 5 or 6 months old. I'll start, "You Are My Sunshine," and flashes an ear to ear grin (a near laugh, really), claps and takes off running -the other direction!!
I've been talking about how much I'm hating the Banzel...but maybe it's turning a few wheels up there. Spasms seem to be a little better. Maybe it's worth waiting it out...We'll see.
6 comments:
Awesome that you had some successes with the OT this week. Isn't it odd that kids with IS don't pay much attention to toys? Mine doesn't, I hear of others that do not, I wonder why...
:)!! :)!! Go Austin sooo great to hear good news!!
Ken -Austin hasn't cared for his toys much since the ACTH days...they're more of an oral stimulation nowadays -everything to the mouth! He seems overwhelmed at all the stimulation and it's possibly sensory-related. Dunno..If he can't put it in his mouth, he could take it or leave it!
Regarding the toy thing...I just think they don't know what to do with them. Up until Sophie was around 2 1/2 years old, she could destroy a room in 30 seconds flat. She would pull every toy out of every bin and not actually play with one of them. ABA Verbal Behavior (not Discreet Trial) therapy helped with that A LOT. I highly recommend ABA therapy. I took Sophie to a developmental pediatrician and even though she does not have autism, they felt she would benefit from ABA therapy. She received this therapy through Early Intervention. If you want more information, just e-mail me. I don't think it is ever too early to start ABA therapy. Anyway, Sophie will now sit and play with the same toy for up to 10-15 minutes...especially her dolls. This is with her still having around 60 seizures a day.
Okay, back to Austin...that is so wonderful that he is making progress. I am still hoping that Banzel will do its trick for him.
I'm SO happy...that my hubs just walked by and asked why I was smiling! I'm just cheering for you guys!
...danielle
Hey Holli & Austin!!!
I'm catching up on what's been going on with you guys. It's a little after midnight and I bet you are tucked away in bed but I just wanted to dro a few lines on todays's posting.
Sounds like this was a great day!!
...playing with mailboxes....
Go Austin!!!! Show e. how it's done!! Looking for the cell phone ...must be your watchful eyes on your Mommy! **grins**
I will have to try out the singing thing on my next visit!
I love and miss you guys!
Hang in there!
Love & Lots of Hugs!
e.
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