Autism Awareness Day 22: Developmental Therapy

Connor began his therapies in November and December of last year. We work with Julie, a developmental specialist who works with children ages birth to three years old. Her job is to play with Connor and teach him language and coping skills through activities.

She comes with a bag filled with books, puzzles and toys. At first, Connor didn't interact much or say much. She is an extremely patient person, gently repeating words in a clear and simple manner as he plays. Now, she walks in and Connor makes a beeline for her bag to see what she has brought with her.

What I really like is that she will bring the same toys or puzzles each week, so he works on the same skills. For example, she had a wooden animal puzzle that made sounds. Connor liked the kitty sound (sounding more like a kitty after a brawl with ten other cats-YOWL-but he liked it) and so he would only play with that piece. He had a lot of trouble fitting pieces in or even trying the right piece in the right spot. She continued to bring that very same puzzle week after week, until one day, he began putting the pieces close to the right spot. Then, fitting them in the spot. Then asking for "more" pieces. Then "more, please". Then imitating the animal sound (he rarely points or says the animal name, just the sound it makes). It is serious progress for him.

She also has some cars and she gives him some new ways to play with the cars and helps him sit up to play. Connor also enjoys stacking cups game and her train set. She always tries books with him, but it is still difficult to keep him attending to tasks like books. One task he loves is bubbles. He is climbing on her lap anytime she breaks out the bubbles.

I learned a lot of how to talk to Connor in a much simpler way, where I could say a word or two instead of overwhelming him with multi-step directions and full sentences.

Julie constantly writes encouraging weekly reports and never fails to spotlight his progress. I think he makes the most progress from this particular therapy because of its stability and her consistent manner of speaking. I can sit back and watch him play or participate. She is always prepared with a variety of activities.

The kids always give our therapists a huge send-off when they leave, waving and calling goodbye until they drive off. Ian's classic line " Are you leaving?" indicates that he isn't all too impressed with Connor's extra attention.