Growth

If you would have told me a year ago that Charlie would be able to go to his older brother's hockey games and sit through the entire game, I might not have believed you.  You see, last year we were able to make it through one game.  And even then we made it through by the skin of our teeth.  I wasn't able to get to many games last year.  But this year....this year has started out different.  So far we've been able to make it to two games, one of them a double header.  And Charlie was able to make it through each time!  Now, I can't tell you what the rest of the hockey season will bring, but for now, I'll take this!

Sunny has been a key factor in helping Charlie stay occupied during Easton's hockey games.  Sunny, and well, lots of things to keep him busy.  Charlie sits with Sunny, hugs her, plays with her ears and gives her kisses while watching Easton skate.  And Sunny even likes to watch Easton skate!

I'm sure there will be games we'll need to miss this season, but as long as we can get Charlie to go, I won't stop going.  This is just one indication of Charlie's growth this year.  And it's not simply because he's another year older.  It's not because he's starting to "outgrow" Autism.  That will never happen.  Autism will always be here.  This growth is because of all the incredible hard work Charlie has put into everything he does.  This kid is amazing really.  I guess therapy services 3-4 times a week for the past 4 years has made a difference.  

Each week Charlie sees a lead therapist and a skills worker that work on certain things with him over and over again.  Things like recognizing emotions in himself and other people and how to deal with those emotions appropriately.  Or going out into the community and interacting with other people, how to have a reciprocating conversation, learning to vocalize frustrations before it turns into an epic meltdown.  Sometimes they work on playing games, following the rules of the game and taking turns.    Seemingly simple things that most kids learn easily, but that have been a little more difficult for Charlie to grasp.  

One thing they've worked on a lot is being patient and waiting.  Which has really paid off.  Because you can see he has been able to sit at Easton's hockey games and be patient until the end.  Which means this mama has been able to watch her oldest baby play hockey the past couple of weeks.  

There are still struggles.  But today I'm going to focus on the growth.  Such wonderful growth.  Part of this growth is owed to Sunny too.  She supports Charlie in ways that Tyler and I cannot.  She gives him confidence and helps him feel more secure no matter where we are.  On days like today, she helps him transition from each activity, provides deep pressure to help Charlie calm his body and stay regulated- especially during car rides, she helps him stay occupied and focused and can sometimes help bridge social gaps for Charlie.  

Sure, Charlie has some great tools to help him along, but it's the hard work Charlie puts into everything each day that has made the incredible difference we see.