Progress & Challenges - May 21, 2015

 

Progress

1) Sounds! Ashley is now starting to make sounds when she asks for items (even if she hands us a PEC). It might be way off from the actual word but we want her to start making sounds and try to approximate. We praise every sound and then repeat the correct word multiple times being goofy!


2) Future chef? I think we have found one of Ashley's hidden interests which is cooking in the kitchen! Since she helped me in kitchen a week ago, each night she has happily come to help me cut up zucchini or strawberries! (The knife is really dull so I help her push down while cutting). She is also quick to eat the strawberries after cutting since she loves them! I love having her WANT to help me!!!! She even enjoyed watching me make her grilled cheese sandwich last night and apparently likes to eat butter....yummy? This will be a great way for her to try new foods!
 If you have any ideas of fun foods we can make together this summer, then please share!


3) Independence! Before bedtime for the last 5 nights she is now preparing her own snack!! She gets a banana, dances the banana around in the air and then can almost peel it independently. Then she tries to stuff the entire thing into her mouth :) She can also open up the freezer to get Cinnamon Waffles, open package, separate out 2 waffles, put them into the toaster, and push down to start toasting all by herself!

4) Team Ashley is Starting! My mom got to have her first Playroom Session with Ashley on
Monday, May 18th. She brought costume necklaces from home which Ashley loved to touch but not wear. It was a great beginning for her "joining" Ashley and my mom is so excited for the next session!

Challenges

1) We are having to show Ashley each time we are in the Playroom that this is "her room" and we can do whatever she wants to do. She's had so many demands put on her, boring educational activities, and toys taken away from her from all areas of her life  that we want to confirm to her that this is where we get to play! We have backed off asking requests in the Playroom for now so that she grow to absolutely love it and realize it is a safe place, a "yes" room, fun games and time for 1 on 1 attention. We are working on building her trust, having fun, and showing her that we accept her!

2) Noah has now hit terrible 2's so he cries very loudly when he doesn't get his way. He also hates to share. His high pitched cry makes Ashley really upset, she starts crying and then also hits herself hard on the legs. This makes me so thankful we will have the Playroom this summer so she won't be overwhelmed, distracted, or anxious from loud noises.