M is for Mystery

So, for the last week Squish has had a "regression" in terms of behavior and in terms of attending to the task at hand. I'm not even sure regression is the right word. In my mind, these periods are like being at the beach during high tide. When the waves come in further, recede, and then come further still. So Squish is receeding before an advance (we hope). Usually there is a leap after this kind of lapse. But it still makes me sick inside with worry that the ABA will just stop working or that he'll retreat from us emotionally.

I know this lapse probably means he is stressed out or burned out and I totally understand that. I'm always amazed at how hard he works and how he does so with a smile on his face. But because he usually is so happy and so easy going when he has an increase in tantrums and stimming and can't seem to focus or answer a question he's "mastered" it really, really freaks me out. It's like night and day and I can't stop thinking about it.

Ok, so I don't know where I'm going with this except to say that just when I feel like our family has got this "living with Autism" thing nailed, another mystery pops up. It's CSI: Autism and we are back on the case to help find ways to make Squish happier, healthier, and more communicative.

L is for Love

So it's been about a month since I updated last. Sigh. Things get so busy around here and the blog is probably last on my (long) list.

So, we are currently in a space I call "cruising" -- where Squish's therapy is set, we have a schedule in place, and he is making progress. These are times of relative calm and peace. However, we are fast approaching the end of the school year which means another change in schedule, another meeting with the school, another set of decisions...all the stuff I don't like about having a child with special needs. The business end of it, if you will. Squish transitions beautifully, and we are thankful for that. It's one of his biggest strengths, actually. Sometimes I'm the one who has a hard time with transitions!

The biggest change in Squish over the last month is the amount of affection he is showing Squish II. He is hugging and kissing his brother, sharing toys (always with the vocalization "SHARE!" as if to warn Squish II that sharing is temporary), and just being more aware of him in general. Squish II is eating it up with a spoon. He is, and has always been, so in love with his big brother.

So, so lovely to see.