We're Making a Come Back!

Boy how time flies! It seems like just TODAY that I was holding my little, chubby baby Ash! So long ago, so naive to what bringing this new life into the world would entail. But I will say that despite the challenges that come with this little man, I wouldn't have it any other way!

Ashton is doing so well these days! He is now in early intervention pre-school where he goes each week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3pm. His first day of school was great! He walked in and straight away found the toys, followed by getting up into the child-sized chair to sit at the table. His teacher, Mickel, also comes to the house twice a month for some one on one time. He loves to play with her, but gets frustrated at times because she makes him work hard! He is such a big boy!

Before therapy began, Ashton was diagnosed with mild autism. His characteristics included: not making eye contact with others, not responding to his name, no attempts to communicate verbally or with his eyes, fascination with the mechanics of toys and other things (i.e. spinning the wheels of cars, repeatedly flipping the light switch on and off), gross motor skill delays, lack of interest in other children, tantruming including head banging, over-stimulation in large crowds or in new situations, unexplained irritableness, no desire for affection, as well as self stimulating sensory behaviors. However, listing those traits now doesn't even seem like the same Ash that I know today!

Ashton started home therapy this last October. Then once he turned 2 years old he was eligible to begin school. Since then he has improved tremendously! This is constantly being mentioned to me from the friends and family that only see him occasionally. I see it as well. He has learned some sign language, and despite his frustration with having to communicate with his chubby little hands, he still tries and will on command. He loves to interact and play with others, he mimics others, he loves to play with his cars, draw, and watch TV...still, he now responds to his name when he wants to, he takes me around the house to show me his wants, he has his own type of communication that only a mom could understand...and I do, he makes eye contact and communicates well with them, he gets so excited to be in an area with lots of people, and best of all...he loves to cuddle with me, tease me and give me kisses, something that I was told he may never do.

In a nut shell, I love my Ash and he loves his Mommy!