Spring is on the move. There are still wintery days, but yes, spring is definitely near.
And we are moving back to The U.S.!
Our move is scheduled for mid may and things are going to get pretty stressful around here soon. But I will try to keep the blog up to date for as long as I can.
Viggo is kind of moving full speed ahead. He is talking a lot and expects the rest of us to do the same. One of the main issues with autistic kids is getting them to elaborate. Well, Viggo wants us to elaborate. Now that Viggo has outgrown his stroller we walk to pre-school every day. On our walk we sing and talk. Viggo looks at the thorn bushes that grow along our road. He says:"Mom, there are thorns!"
Then he gives me a look that tells me I need to elaborate. What are thorns? Do all bushes have thorns? What do the thorns do? Do we need to be careful of thorns?
We look at the thorns very carefully. We study them and talk about them and our discussions move seamlessly from one subject to the next, to the next. It's beautiful.
And we are moving back to The U.S.!
Our move is scheduled for mid may and things are going to get pretty stressful around here soon. But I will try to keep the blog up to date for as long as I can.
Viggo is kind of moving full speed ahead. He is talking a lot and expects the rest of us to do the same. One of the main issues with autistic kids is getting them to elaborate. Well, Viggo wants us to elaborate. Now that Viggo has outgrown his stroller we walk to pre-school every day. On our walk we sing and talk. Viggo looks at the thorn bushes that grow along our road. He says:"Mom, there are thorns!"
Then he gives me a look that tells me I need to elaborate. What are thorns? Do all bushes have thorns? What do the thorns do? Do we need to be careful of thorns?
We look at the thorns very carefully. We study them and talk about them and our discussions move seamlessly from one subject to the next, to the next. It's beautiful.
Viggo is also beginning to question me. When he asks me something a simple "yes" or "no" answer won't do. Elaborate mom!
When I put Viggo on the Gaps diet, I stopped letting him drink coffee. He hasn't fussed about it but the other morning he asked for a cup of coffee. Before I could say no, he answered for me: "Mommy says no. Mommy says stop. Viggo can't have coffee. Maybe later. Some other time".
I answered: "Maybe when you grow up. When you're big".
"I am big!", Viggo said.
When I put Viggo on the Gaps diet, I stopped letting him drink coffee. He hasn't fussed about it but the other morning he asked for a cup of coffee. Before I could say no, he answered for me: "Mommy says no. Mommy says stop. Viggo can't have coffee. Maybe later. Some other time".
I answered: "Maybe when you grow up. When you're big".
"I am big!", Viggo said.
The last thing I want to mention today is what Viggo did a few weeks ago. I was upstairs cleaning the bathroom (or something) and I heard someone playing the guitar. Then I heard a voice. Viggo was singing at the top of his lungs. I couldn't quite make out the words, but the melody was crystal clear: "Empty Sky" by Bruce Springsteen.
I ran down the stairs and looked at my son in amazement.
When he finished "Empty Sky" he continued with "Old Man" by Neil Young
I ran down the stairs and looked at my son in amazement.
When he finished "Empty Sky" he continued with "Old Man" by Neil Young