Small Strides

There are days that come along where Charlie makes small strides.  And sometimes these small strides are things we've been working on for a long time.

Charlie has struggled with major sensory issues since he was a baby.  Sensory issues are very common for kiddos with Autism.  Certain clothing bothers him, haircuts are a nightmare, loud noises and big crowds overwhelm him, brushing teeth is a struggle and bath time is definitely never easy.  He hates the feel of soap or a washcloth on his skin or shampoo in his hair.  The essential oil company I work with has recently come out with a baby line of hair/body wash and lotion.  This line is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and can be used by anyone, not just babies.  The hair/body wash is a foaming wash so when I ordered some we decided to try it with Charlie.

When it comes time for Charlie to get cleaned up, he prefers a bath as he hates how the water feels in the shower hitting his skin.  But on this particular evening a couple nights ago, Charlie asked to take a shower.  So, in the shower he goes.  The next thing he asks for is the new soap.  Absolutely buddy, I'll grab the new soap.  As I showed him how soft the soap felt on his skin and went to help him clean up he looked at me and said "I can do it, mom."  Who is this kid?!  Now, not only did he allow the foaming soap on his skin, but there was also no screaming, crying or begging to be done.  This is something we've been working on for 6 years!  And the lotion....did I mention he also used lotion when he was out of the shower?  Yep, he sure did!  Lotion with calming essential oils added, followed by a weighted blanket and extra weight and snuggles from his favorite girl.

There are some big transitions going on right now with the end of the school year coming, Summer starting, beginning a nanny 3 days/week and a routine/schedule turned upside down.  We're aware of how dysregulated transitions make him so we're trying our hardest to stay ahead of it all.  We've had some busy days this last week and more up ahead.  Last week we spent a couple hours on Tyler's parent's pontoon.  Sunny's 1st boat trip and the boys tried fishing but didn't catch anything this time around. 

Charlie's school schedule has been turned upside down this last week as well.  He's had several field trips and tons of fun activities out of their normal routine to finish off the year.  Sunny and I accompanied Charlie and his class on their field trip to Crayola Experience at the Mall of America this week.  Such a fun day and both Sunny and Charlie did amazingly well.  Charlie was so excited to be able to spend the whole day with Sunny and made some fun creations at the same time!

A giant light bright board!

And today, their school did a Color Run.  Charlie has been super anxious about the color run.  I think primarily because he didn't know what to expect, but he also didn't want to get color on him.  His school counselor had been coaching him as well as us at home.  He was told that if he didn't want to get color on him he didn't have to.  He was adamant that he was not going to get color on him and the plan was for him and another buddy from school to do the course with his teacher who could be there to help if needed.

Tyler and I walked over to the school with Sunny just before the run began to watch the boys. The first time the boys came around Easton had a little color on his shirt and Charlie and Christian's shirts were still completely white.  We cheered them on.  But wouldn't you know....the second time I see Charlie come around and look.....there's some color on his shirt!!

And look at that.....more color the 3rd time around!!!  Way to go Charlie!!! Christian was still completely color free, but Easton was drenched in it.  They all seemed to have a pretty good time.  

We are all looking forward to Summer.  The boys are excited to be done with school and our calendar is full of fun activities and trips over the next few months.  Look out Summer, the King boys are coming for you!!