It has been a busy time for Samuel since the last post. He has started school, been on an overnight trip, continued ABA Therapy, and experienced the transition of a new vehicle. April and myself had two cars that were both getting high in mileage (but paid off). Samuel refers to these rides as the "white car" and the "big red car." Without a doubt, Samuel prefers the "big red car." In fact we have to tell him ahead of time if we are going to drive the "white car" so he doesn't have a fit when it is time to leave. April and I reluctantly decided that it was time to look for a new vehicle. The "big red car" had a over 200,000 miles and was 11 years old, so we decided to trade it for a newer vehicle. Luckily we purchased a car that was also a red mid-sized SUV, very similar to the previous vehicle. As I was driving home with the purchase, I called April to start talking with Samuel about having a "new big red car." She told him.....but it didn't seem to register with his mind. When I pulled into the garage, April opened the door and Samuel was right there looking. He immediately started to scream at the top of his lungs. For the next 30 minutes he cried, but not the type of angry scream he usually makes. This was a cry where he was genuinely hurt, almost like he was grieving the death of a loved one. After attempting to soothe him, we eventually just allowed him to cry it out. We discussed that we still had a "big red car" it was just a newer one. He then started saying "new big red car" and would peek out the door every few minutes. He now refers to it as the "new big red car" and seems to have adjusted well to it. We saw a vehicle yesterday that looked very similar to the old car. Samuel made a comment about it forcing April and I to look worriedly at one another. However, Samuel didn't dwell on things but just kept walking. He seems to be adjusting to the "new big red car."
The morning after the purchase of the new car we headed to Greensboro to visit my brother's family and celebrate our niece's third birthday. He enjoyed riding in the "new big red car" and for the most part he did well. Although he did not want to go to sleep at bedtime. He kept getting-up before April and my sister-in-law laid next to him and sang until he finally dozed off. Other than a few meltdowns here and there, he handled the trip very well. He still asks to go see "Caraline and Lauren" (his cousins). Although he doesn't always interact with other kids, he does seem to enjoy being in the presence of children.
Recently he has been getting up almost every night and hopping in bed with us. This usually involves me heading to the couch for the remainder of the night. One time this week he decided to get up after I moved to the couch and he hopped on the other end. This gave me permission (I thought) to go back to my bed. However, Samuel quickly screamed when he saw me get up and ran in there behind me. I couldn't figure out which way he wanted me to go. Nonetheless, we came to the conclusion that he seems to want to be around April or myself when he sleeps.
Samuel has been back in school for about a month. Currently his schedule is M-F from 8:30-11:30 am. He seems to have adjusted well to a new school. Fortunately he has the same teacher assistant as last year and he knew his teacher also from his old school. April drops him off in the morning and she says he has been much more receptive to going than he was last year. His lack of verbal skills can be an issue when he's communicating with classmates. He seems to enjoy being around other children, but doesn't understand social cues with how to play with them. We have heard of times that he has pushed his classmates, knocked over their blocks, and pulled eye glasses off other children. I'm assuming he is trying to get their attention and doesn't understand that this is the wrong way to do it. However, as a parent it is very disheartening to hear that he is doing this.
ABA Therapy is continuing three days a week and he seems to really enjoy it. His therapist has been wonderful. She is working with him developing a schedule, using the potty, following directions, and using words such as "please." The therapist explained that he hasn't said "please" in the past because he doesn't know what "please" means. If he wants a banana then that's all he wants, he doesn't want a "please". His mind is much more black and white, instead of gray. Since she has started with him, we are noticing that he will say "please" more and more (especially when he really wants something). We certainly consider this progress.
Thank you for continuing to read the blog. As I say each time, I will try not to wait so long between posts. Eventually I will surprise you with a quick turnaround!
Brian
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