Unprompted Spontaneous Language

And the roller coaster of Autism goes up! As I have mentioned in prior blogs we have learned that after a stressful period comes progress. This weekend has been no different. While the balloon incident definitely threw us, the next day increased communication from Robbie and better listening from Mom and Dad occurred.
Sunday morning Robbie asked for a tub. He loves the water and spends as much time as he can in it. There is a sensory component with the pressure of the water surrounding his entire body. If you've see him at the lake in the summer , he is often chin deep - happy as a clam. ( Robbie would say- " No, I am not a clam, I am a boy..... LOL)
Lexi reminds us that Robbie had a tub the night before so he doesn't need one first thing in the morning. She also lets me know when his fingers have become wrinkly after he had has in the water for 20 minutes. The night before that was her sign to get out of the bath. I explain to Lexi that Robbie loves the water and it helps him in ways that are different than just getting clean. I also explain its a Sunday and there isn't a line for the bath- as there can be on a week night when 3 individual baths need to be drawn with some supervision for all 3. Robbie happily sits in the tub writing his name in shaving cream.
Sunday night, Robbie tells Rob he needs a hair cut. Whoa...... He has never asked for a hair cut. In fact , hair cuts usually start with some screaming, crying, and yelling "No don't cut my hair." Last night Robbie says he'd like his hair cut, but just around his ears- where it has gotten very long. He explains it has been bothering him. Awesome. He is communicating, and getting a hair cut- which he really needed!
Monday morning- Rob asks Robbie if he wants to take a shower. Robbie happily says yes. While getting the shower turned on he looks at his dad and says " You've got your red?." pointing to his Dad's shorts. "Yes Robbie, I have red shorts." Robbie replies "What's your favorite color?" Dad replies "It's green." Robbie says- "You like green? My favorite color is blue."
Unprompted spontaneous language. It's a beautiful thing. My wish coming true!