Nate's most noticeable progress is in the area of independence. He now makes his bed, makes a microwavable breakfast, gets dressed, brushes his teeth, washes his face, and loads/unloads the dishwasher independently. Two years ago, he could not do any of these things. He is almost showering independently, he still needs some verbal prompts to get moving....otherwise he just stands under the warm water. We are still working on his speed. Nate moves at his own speed....never feels the need to hurry for anything. He will now sit through a movie at the theater. That could not happen before BIS. They are still working on Nate paying for items and improving his skills in the community. Don't get me wrong, he is still so behind other kids his age, but his progress is amazing.
Noah......wow...... Two years ago, he was naked and aggressive. He pulled me to the floor in the bathroom at Macy's (not my best moment). He freak out whenever someone turned on the automatic hand dryer or if the automatic flusher went off. He never kept his clothes on...at home or in public. In order to brush his teeth, you had to lay him on my bed and straddle him and hope he didn't hurt you. He was also eating and/or spreading feces. He could not sit at the table for a meal. He would take one bite and fall to the floor or run around the table. All of these things have improved. I don't believe it. He is not the same child. He listens (most of the time), he will let you brush his teeth, he sits at the table and waits for 3 minutes, he stays dressed, and he is potty trained. This growth helps me believe that he will be able to live in an assisted facility with Nate.
Nick's behavior in public and his people skills are improving. He is still a little quirky, but learns better behaviors through practice. He is starting to understand how to have a conversation with another person, instead of just talking at the person. He has 2 friends and I would like that number to grow. He is also becoming more independent at home and out in the community.
All of our lives have improved with the Autism Bill and Behavior Intervention Services. Our team members have always been very nice and truly want to help the boys. With their help, Tim and I were able to take 2 short trips alone.....what a luxury! I don't feel so helpless or alone. I can't wait to see where we are January 2, 2014!
