One item I have not addressed so far on the blog is potty training. Samuel will turn four in April and he is still very much in diapers. This has been an item that I really am at a loss with how to address. Cameron was fully trained by his third birthday and it really did not take too long to teach him. He also was showing signs of learning before we began the training. Samuel, on the other hand, has shown very little interest in learning. However, to be fair, we have not really done much to teach him either. The autism specialist that diagnosed Samuel suggested that we not be in any big hurry to potty train. She felt that starting Pre-K was already a lot on him and that there was no reason to rush things. Therefore, we have not forced the issue too much. The limited communication skills Samuel possesses makes it very difficult for us to even know when he needs to go to the potty. When we do take him to the potty he does not do anything and I question if he understands what he is suppose to do. I am curious about other autistic parents experiences with potty training. Any feedback would be great to hear!
On another note, I have noticed some promising new developments recently. Cameron has always been one that constantly desires attention. He loves playing games and wants someone else to play with him. When we go outside to play, I usually am playing a sport with Cameron and we always try to draw Samuel into joining us. Samuel may participate for a couple of minutes, but he quickly wonders off into his own world. This usually means that my attention is divided between playing a game with Cameron and watching Samuel do his thing. Typically two children close in age would play games together. Cameron deeply desires Samuel to play with him, but they seldom do. However, the last two days I've noticed them playing together for longer periods of time. Yesterday they were playing a version of hide and seek in the house and it lasted for a good 30 minutes. Samuel was laughing as the two chased each other from the bedroom to the kitchen. This evening, Cameron and I were playing a nerf basketball game in the living room when Samuel came and joined us. I was very proud as Cameron included Samuel in our game. Samuel seemed to relish it and participated for an extended period of time. It has me hopeful that maybe Samuel is starting to desire the idea of playing games with others. This would be a huge step because in the past he would simply stand among other children playing, but not really interact with them.
As always, thank you for taking time out to read about our wonderful life with Samuel. We are truly blessed in so many ways and I greatly appreciate everyone's support!
Till next time,
Brian
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