120308 Update

Yeah, Steve was able to get video of Tyler playing with the Thomas computer so now we just need to get it downloaded and then upload it here, it's so fun to see! He raelly likes it and holds still while he plays it and chooses to sit at a table during playtime without prompting (like a typical preschooler would). So we like that it helps promote appropriate body positining, etc. We have decided to get both the boys Leapsters for Christmas, as there are some games I really think Tyler would enjoy and once he catches on it will likely allow us to get out in public more with both boys and one parent. It's still quite tough to do as Tyler can get overwhelmed and break down easily, he requires a lot of support which leaves Ben just kind of hanging around adn then competing for that attention so it's tough to accomplish whatever it is that you set out to accomplish. Right now we try to keep tyler happy with play phones, remotes, etc. but it would be great for him to have something for him to focus on that also promotes learning and not stimmy behavior so we are really excited!

Tyler had a great day at school yesterday, but we are getting concerned at his lack of interest of eating at school. he is still a bit under the weather (I'll talk about health later) so I'm not sure how much of an influence that is having but since he goes to school every day and not just once or twice a week, it's important to me that he's getting the proper nutrition, he's such a little guy. I've asked that they videotape him eating at school so we can look at it and help trouble shoot or help give them tips of things we do to keep him eating. They allow parents to come in and watch whenever you'd like but that can often distract the kids adn I know I would be a distractor for Tyler so they also offer videotaping in lieu of being there in person.

We completed his IEP. Just wanted to let everyone in on a few of his goals for the year, I'm really really excited. First let me give you some of the informatino that was listed in his IEP as a summary of his current state.. kind of hard to see on paper even though we know it's true. "Tyler often appears to avoid sensory input in the classroom, decreasing his ability to get all the informatino he needs to participate in activities. The combination of needing additional input yet actively avoiding the input makes programming for Tyler more challenging when finding the balance of what he needs and what he will accept without being overwhelmed with input. In summary, Tyler's low registration and tendancy to avoid input, impact his ability to consistently attend to and participate in learning activities." Now keep in mind that these observations were made witin the first 30 days of school and it takes usually closer to 2 months for skills to generalize so they have since noticed some great immitation skills and such from Tyler but in general, this is his overall struggle. Ok, on to some of the goals.. the IEP is many pages long so i won't list everything.

1) Tyler will use two hands to complete tasks (currently uses 1 hand for most activities).

2) Tyler will complete 3 tasks independently, i.e. put blocks in, then move to puzzle, them move to some other activity. This will also help us at home if we set up systems/routines of activities to do while we are cooking or something (he often tries to pull our hand to help him play while we try to complete normal household stuff). If he has a routine to follow and complete then he can go about those activities (independently) while we complete our tasks.

3) Tyler will eat 10 bites of lunch independently. We are really excited about this one because it would be great if he was an indpendent eater by the time he was 3! It's a big goal though since we already don't think he's eating enough at school, we also had them add in that we want him touching his food more, he avoids contact with it, doesn't mind utensils but not fond of food being on him. In fact, if some food is hanging out of hsi mouth or on his chin, he'll use his teeth, lips, tongue and anything else he can to try to get it in his mouth without having to touch it with his hands.. it's kind of funny to watch.

4) They will start him on the potty training program. This is a long processing following a U of M expert and her program. I haven't read the book yet to fully understand it all but it has to do with charting his wet diapers and getting him used to setting on the toilet.

5) Tyler will follow 10 instructional directions given verbal prompts and pictures, ex: stand up, sit down, come here, stop and throw away. Stop is huge for us in regards to safety concerns and being out in public with both boys as if Tyler was running out in front of a car, and we yelled "stop" right now he would not stop.

6) Tyler will learn 20 new signs for desired objects and will sign for at least 10 desired objects in his sight. He is really enjoying signing and watching us sign for objects, he often requests us to sign for him and no longer resists us doing hand over hand prompting for him to sign. We are working on the alphabet now, he's really doing great and very interested so I'm excited about this goal.

Ok, that's a few of the goals that we are going to be working on in the next year. As we work on goals at school and home, we'll keep everyone in the loop as to the signs, routines, etc. so Tyler will have support in all areas of his life in meeting these goals, i.e. which signs, which toys, proper play, eating skills, etc. Thanks for supporting this and in general when you play with Tyler, always be thinking of ways to promote communication. Example: the boys love it when Steve plays" jump" with them on the bed. I asked Steve to give the game a name so that he can consistenty say do you wanna play "x" and then Tyler can get familiar with the name and hopefuly start to request it or an approximation anyway. Anyway, he has these certain jumpbs he does where he basically throws the boys on the bed and they love it. So this is a great opportunity to get Tyler to make requests because it's very reinforcing. So when he went to do the jump for the third time yesterday with Tyler I said.. pause and wait for Tyler to say "up" which he'll do if you wait for it. Every part of Tylers play or day can be made into a learning opportunity, you just have to constantly be thinking that way.

On to health.. we are all STILL under the weather. Ben was healthy thi sweekend but woke up stuffy today, Tyler and I were the ones that got re-sick last Friday and both of us now have it moving down into our chests so we have coughs. Steve got sick on Sunday and seems to already be getting better.. sigh, is winter over yet?

Ok, that's about all from me. Take care!