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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Slowly But Surely

Well, the triplets were diagnosed with autism 11 years ago.
Each and every improvement is a labor of love, blood,
sweat and tears! Sometimes we go a long while without
really seeing anything new and then a little something
gives us a bounce in our step and and smile on our faces.
Spencer has noticably improved in his understanding and
response time when we talk to him!
For example, usually when I say "Spencer, go get your socks", I
have to point out his bare feet, point to my socks, gesture down the
hall to his room...and repeat. And MAYBE he will come back with socks.
WELL, this week I simply said, "Spencer, your feet will get cold
on the kitchen floor. You should go get some socks."
And he went and got them! :)
One other example, he wanted his cd player (which I had confiscated
because he wouldn't leave the volume down at a humane level).
He came and said "C.D." (one of the few words he can say).
I said, "You can get it. It's in my workroom back by your bedroom"
And he went and found it! :)
Progress that does this mom's heart some good!
Baby steps, baby steps, but we keep plugging along!

31 comments:

  1. Very sad. But we must communicate and children. Communication is the contact link. I hope your child can get better. God will bless you!
    Health is the Greatest Happiness
    The World at The Present

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  2. Plus Alex is eating a lot of the food you are fixing for the rest of you...great strides for those boys! I can't comprehend all of the things you've gone through the last 11 years, but I love hearing about the steps they're taking along the way, baby steps or not. You're a special mom, and I'll just bet that Mister is a special dad, too.

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  3. yay ~thanks for the update on big steps ...makes me grin!

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  4. I'm smiling tonight! Big steps and baby steps must be noted and celebrated. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Betsy, that *is* progress and he is to be congratulated. I hope the day is not too far off when you will unlock the key and the floodgates of your boys intelligence and comprehension will pour forth in full. You know it is there but at present for mysterious reasons, not fully released....but these steps mean you are ever closer to it. Blood, sweat, tears, as you say, and a mother's labour. I applaud you all for how far you've all come already....

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  6. That's wonderful news Betsy. Each step is something to celebrate. Good fro Spencer!

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  7. That's so great! You must be so proud of him!

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  8. You and your Mister deserve to celebrate these wonderful advances. Your boys are cradled in such patience and love - here's to you both!

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  9. Awww, so good to hear about the progress. You are doing an amazing job as a mom!

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  10. yes those baby steps can be profound at times can't they?

    Hope you are feeling better today!

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  11. Let's celebrate the moments when God had given to us through their progress - big or small. Kudos to your effort, patience & love, U r a great mom! Way to go....

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  12. To me, your life is a constant source of admiration and strength.
    To you, your boys are a constant source of love and inspiration.

    Love your new header, it symbolizes the return of the migrating birds and spring.;))

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  13. Awesome Mom (and surely, Dad is too)!

    Awesome Boy!

    Awesome God!

    {{{Big Hug!}}}

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  14. Yep! Those words, "Little things mean a lot" sure do ring especially true to anyone with a special needs child or children! And especially when those kids just happen to have autism. Just yesterday, Kurtis came to me and leaning over, with his face lifted up so he could make sure I saw him, he kind of hollered at me "Cookie?" and I got him one. Then, I gave him a big hug and a kiss on the top of his head and as I walked away from him, he put his little hand to his mouth and blew me a kiss -saying Mmmmmmaa! Uncoached, totally uncoached! And I was ecstatic!
    Come join my kids and I as we do the Penn State Autism wakk -we welcome all the support we can get you know! Check my blog for more information.

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  15. Oh Betsy, I celebrate with you and your family about the Big steps and the Small ones.
    Prayers and hugs to all of you.~~~~Leslie

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  16. That is wonderful news! Yay, Spence! :^) Keep on keeping on.

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  17. Nothing wrong with baby steps. That is so encouraging to see improvement. I rejoice with you.

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  18. Betsy, your story makes me happy! Yes, "baby steps" is right. I know it doesn't really compare - but my youngest is extremely unfocused. I must literally follow her around, tell her things one step at a time, and stay to ensure she does what she should. It's exhausting, and feels so good when she does follow through. Your boys are so lucky to have you as their mom!
    Susan

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  19. Kudos to Spencer! My sister worked with multi-handicapped children for years and also rejoiced over what seemed to others to be small. But it was huge! Congratulations!

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  20. You go Spencer! So true - slowly but surely :)

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  21. YEAH! Spencer!

    Betsy, I had to laugh...the most "TYPICAL" thing ever for Mr. Teenager to have his CD player confiscated for having it up at crazy loud volume!

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  22. Jill ~ Oh I know! We've laughed about that before! Just like a typical teenager!

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  23. Jeni ~ Oh, that is wonderful! I know exactly how you feel! Great, isn't it!?

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  24. Yes! Way to go, Spencer! That *is* great progress!! I love these kinds of victories, they give me so much hope! One of the many things I love about have a child on the spectrum is that I take nothing for granted. It's such a blessing to admire the little things in life.
    This really makes my heart happy! :)

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  25. Hope you and the family have a great week-end.

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  26. wonderful news for spencer! i so admire your fortitude and bright outlook in dealing with the challenge god has given you. you are a shining example for every parent, betsy!

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  27. Yeah!! Glad to see some hopeful stides!

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  28. It's almost profound when our autistic children do something we don't expect. Keep the stories coming. I of course would never wish autism on any child, it is nice to read the stories of other families and know that we are not alone. Other people are dealing with the hurdles too. Any advice on potty training?

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  29. comeherelittlebug ~ Hi! Well, you are right, we are not alone! Although it seems like it sometimes! Potty training advice...hmmmm. Well, our boys were 6 years old when I began pee-pee training. It was a weird, long process with tactics I never had to use with my 'normal' oldest child. One of my triplets still isn't BM trained...at 15 years old! Crazy. How old is your child? And boy or girl? I'd be happy to share my tricks that worked with you...if you have a boy, they would probably work better! LOL

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  30. Thanks for the comments! I have a 6 yr old daughter...I don't think we have met another autistic girl to date, certainly something you find more in boys. I think the biggest blessing for us is that she doesn't know she is different and she without a doubt thee happiest child.

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