Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Changes....

     Every so often, Pook goes through a sudden change. He'll wake one morning and everything will be different. This go round, the new changes started making themselves noticeable a few months ago. Life has been a roller coaster since then.


     One of Pook's changes concerns food. He doesn't seem to care for anything he liked before and once again getting him to eat is a challenge. His obsessions have been added to and now include balls as well as the pressing need to explore each and every room in any new building (store, bank, home, whatever) we go to. He has developed a colorful vocabulary with the words flying from his mouth regardless of circumstances (thanks to all those in public places with foul mouths). The child who has wanted to stay naked every minute of his day now requires that he have on pants at all times. His ability to transition has gotten worse, something I didn't think was possible. Naps are unheard of these days although he stays exhausted. It's taking longer for him to fall asleep, even though he's so exhausted he can barely move. Although previously he knew not to take other people's food or drink, now he does so without any thought.


     At the same time, he's suddenly acquired the ability to recognize some letters. He has also been able to memorize several songs and not only can he sing them, he can hum them and play the beat on various items. He can suddenly understand the concept of adding and somewhat of subtraction as well. He can now play educational games on the computer and use a LeapPad. He can trace letters and draw a circle. All of these things came on as suddenly as the things mentioned above. One day he couldn't, next day he could. He can now differentiate between negative and positive emotions. If upset, they all fall under sad. If in a good mood, it all falls under happy. When he gets his mind set on something, there is absolutely no distracting him now. Before, we could occasionally divert his attention but now the result of attempting to will always result in a catastrophe. 


     Many of the usual things still exist. None of his previous obsessions, such as ropes or ice, has disappeared. They've merely been added to. He still prefers super soft clothing and seams must be barely noticeable or else turned inside out. He still hates shoes and car seats. Pook doesn't prefer traditional toys but prefers to play with things most children couldn't care less about. His speech still comes and goes. Some days most people understand him whereas other days he is devoid of words and relies on sign language, pointing, and grunts. He still can't differentiate between hot and cold and getting his bath water just right is a difficult task.


     So, are things better or worse now? Neither. I learned a long time ago that with Pook there is no better or worse, there is only different. Different, to my knowledge, has never been a bad thing. Pook requires the majority of our time. Most days it seems the world revolves around him. The older children feel neglected at times or get jealous but quite frankly, so do I and my husband. Yet, having Pook in our life continues to teach us so very much. Life each day is full of little lessons we'd otherwise never have. We're blessed that God has allowed us to care for him and wouldn't trade Pook for anything in the world! 


     On a side note, I've been looking at all the apps for the iPad that are available to help children on the autistic spectrum. I am simply blown away. Pook did fabulous with the DynaVox Mighty Mo we were loaned, but when the loan was over we couldn't afford to purchase it. The iPad offers many of the same things and a slew of other things as well. At around $499, it is definably more affordable. I've spent today reading reports from other parents regarding their child using the iPad. These children ranged from high functioning to severely autistic. All the parents and also educators across the board had fabulous things to say about the results. One parent was even able to use the social story app to get her son to quit grabbing other people's food! An iPad is nowhere in our budget now, but with it's invention a whole new world of opportunity is open to Pook.


     I invite you all to look at my various links to the different apps available for the iPad (and some for the iPhone) at my pearltree located here: 
http://pear.ly/yWW1