Parent update 11/2/11

What a week this has been! Brendan was able to enjoy Halloween this year. He's only celebrated three Halloween's his entire lifetime because he was always sick.

The class made their own costumes (white handprints upside down, with black eyes ~ ghosts!). He was so proud of his shirt. I showed it to everyone and anyone. Then he was so excited about the party at school. We got there late, but as we walked up to the building (main county site located off campus), he saw all the kids out in the play area, music playing, kids dancing. He was so excited to join the party that he ran to the front of the building. The staff said he really enjoyed himself.

Then the kids went trick-or-treating amongst the county classrooms. It was the first time he ever got to do this. But the neatest thing was (his ABA therapist shared this with me since he was there) that a teacher asked Brendan if he was having fun, and he replied "yeah". Unfortunately, another child distracted the teached as Brendan was answering so she didn't hear him. He took his iTouch, located the icon "Yes", went in front of her and pushed the icon!!! This is huge for him to be using his iTouch like this. I was thrilled!! Then later that night, it was the first time he got to hand out candy to the kiddos who came to our door. Most Halloween nights in the past have been cold and rainy. So, we would have to leave a bowl of candy out on the porch. Since Brendan was always sick at this time, we couldn't risk the cold air coming in each time the doorbell rang. He looked so grown-up handing out candy.

Now, the most amazing thing that has happened this week has occured during his ABA sessions in the afternoon. Spelling and writing have never been his favorite things to do. But the last three sessions he has not only spelled correctly, but his writing is so much more legible. I was able to read all the words. They say, "spell balloon" and he does, "spell apple", etc.... What they noticed is that he seems very interested in doing this and really paying attention. I think we may have finally reached the point where he is realizing that he can spell, and write, and communicate by doing this!! I've been waiting a long time for this to happen. I knew someday, he'll realize the importance of learning words by sight, being able to spell the words, and then writing (or typing) the words.

Before Brendan goes to sleep, I always tell him that I love him and that he is my favorite person in the whole world. After I say, "I love you", he has been saying "ove you". Tonight when I said, "You are my favorite person in the whole world", he said, "ole worl". Great things are happening !!! Thank you Kathleen and Linda!!!!