SLOW progress

Robbie's had a few very busy weeks. He turned 4 years old, had a party, went to a party and had a school field trip. Robbie LOVES his birthday- or really birthday's in general. He had a blast opening presents with Mom, Dad and Lexi and waiting for his cake. He also had a blast at a friends birthday party. It was held at the Funplex- which I refer to as chuck e cheese on crack. He played in the foam frenzy room, rode bumper cars, ate cake and wanted to explore some of the other activities. I saw a parent from the daycare we used to go to. I mentioned Robbie was autistic. She had no idea.

The school field trip was a little more challenging. Garden State discovery museum was packed with multiple field trips. We did our best to get through the day- but honestly it was tough for a lot of the children. I did get to have a conversation with Robbie's preschool teacher. I explained that we feel next year Robbie should be in a full day program. She voiced a few concerns about her school and suggested I look into additional programs. So the search begins!

As the title of this entry states progress has been slow. He makes small gains and then regresses. It's very frustrating- especially as I watch his sister pick up words and phrases at lightning speed. Her vocabulary will out number his within the next few weeks. Simple things like throwing garbage in the trash can instead of the recycle bin. Lexi gets it but every day I have to remind Robbie which is which. The heart breaking part is I see him trying really hard. We play matching games on the computer and I make him name the objects. When he doesn't know the answer he looks at me- waiting for me to tell him. It's the same expression of emotion I remember from my school days. When the teacher called on me and I didn't know the answer or was not prepared. I'd look at them pleading for the answer.

So we continue on- searching for the "right" program. Trying to get more services. Teaching him basics at every opportunity. Hoping he will "outgrow" his diagnosis. Hugging him tight every chance we get :)

"Robbie has a best friend"

While we continue to have ups and downs as far as Robbie's progress is concerned- I have a great up to share. At school recently one of the other mom's told me Robbie was her son's best friend. It was awesome to hear- that he had made a real friend. Rob asked if Robbie knew he had a best friend. Truthfully- I wondered the same thing. I asked the other Mom if she wanted to arrange a play date for the boys. She was thrilled. Her son has a mild form of cerebral palsy, a speech delay, and ADHD. I wondered if Robbie would actually play with another child or play around them. To my delight he was excited when his friend arrived and after a few minutes really did play with him. They ran around the house, ran outside and played on our swing set. The little boys Mom was excited because he said Robbie so often and did not have many other words. They were both looking out of the "telescope" in the play house and Robbie put his hand around the other boys shoulder as they made up their adventure. They went down the slide and Robbie said "come on" to the other boy so he would follow him again. I could have cried. My son had such a big grin on his face all afternoon. He has a friend! :)

The Funplex- or Chuck E Cheese on crack

This past weekend Daddy and Lexi went to a friends birthday party and Robbie and i went to the Funplex. Robbie has been invited to a birthday party there in a few weeks and I wanted to see how he handled it. We walked in to a large room filled with people, noise, lights- pure chaos. I was nervous. I looked down at my little boy and a smile crept on his face. He was excited!! We meet some friends and proceeded to the bumper cars. Robbie's friend ran to get onto the children's bumper cars. Robbie was nervous and stayed with me. We watched for a bit and then he grabbed my hand and pointed to the larger bumper cars. These would fit an adult as well. we waited in line. He was just tall enough- thank you lord!! He picked a car. I drove. He had a blast!! Our friends who were watching could not believe the huge smile on his face as we got rammed by the other cars. (That seemed to be the best part.) When our turn was over- he got out and we walked back over to the kiddie cars. He still was not interested in going on them by himself or with his buddy. We went back into line and waited. He was so good waiting in line. I was proud! we took our turn- had a blast and went on the next activity- snack time! After having a snack- juice box and goldfish crackers- we proceeded to the next thing. It's called foam frenzy. Loud, loud, loud. A million foam balls are flying by your head. there are tons of shooters and a large structure in the middle that shoots ball out in all directions. (Robbie was in kid heaven- and adult hell)

The hard part of the day- the transition to leave. Robbie did not want to leave. He was having fun and honestly we hadn't stayed that long. But as life happens- we had to get home so Dad could scout a basketball game. I gave Robbie the 5 minute warning and the 1 more turn warning. Then I had to physically restrain him and carry him out. (no easy task these days- he's almost 4 years old and wearing 5-6 clothes- big boy!) I did get quite a few looks of horror and pity. But we made it outside, he calmed down and walked to the car on his own.

All in all - it was a great day. Robbie surprised me once again with his ability to handle " chuck E cheese on crack" and his ability to wait his turn. That is tough for any child. We are going to go one more time before the party- preferably on a weekday because Mommy feels overwhelmed on the weekends!!

Wish us luck!