Natalie continues to improve. I think she is starting to get really frustrated that she can not properly communicate with me. There was one particular incident recently where she was trying really hard to tell me something and try as she may, I could not figure out what she wanted. She was visibly upset. Since then, she has made a noticeable effort to learn words and signs.
She will now repeat some words she hears and can now sign "more," and "please." It is so cute to watch her sign. He little fingers are adorable and her "please" looks more like a chest slap than the actual sign but I love to watch her do it. It is wonderful that we are able to communicate in such a simple way now.
It almost seems as if Natalie was horribly offended by the accusation of her being autistic that she has made an effort to prove everyone wrong. And that she has! Our ECI coordinator came out when she heard and wanted to put our worries to rest. They did not feel she showed signs of autism at all so she did a short screening with me and Natalie passed with flying colors. She told me that we already know that Natalie has a cognitive delay as well as a communication delay, but as far as autism goes, it shouldn't be a concern. So, that was a relief.
Weston finally got evaluated by an occupational therapist for sensory processing disorder. She assessed him and determined that he does have sensory seeking behaviors pertaining. In addition, he seems to be hypersensitive to touch and has either oral sensory seeking behaviors or has oral hypersensitivity. She has to spend more time with him to be certain which it is.
We should see improvements as we help Weston have strong sensory inputs throughout the day so that he doesn't seek them in an inappropriate manner. For example, we can jump with him on a mini trampoline, jump onto a bean bag chair, do wheelbarrow walks, carry heavy bags, push laundry baskets, climb and slide, and rough house and wrestle. These activities should provide the stimulation he needs so that he doesn't seek the stimulation through biting, pushing, and slamming himself into things.
We also purchased chewy tubes to help with the oral sensitivities. It seems to be helping to offer him the chewy tube everytime he puts something into his mouth as it appears soothing to him. Sometimes he fights it but hopefully we will continue to see improvements with it.
Transitions are also very difficult for Weston. Transitioning from any activity to another (even with plenty of warning, notice of what is to come, and use of timers) is still cause for meltdowns at least half of the time. She suggested picture schedules that we can hang up for him which should help him to visualize what is next and see that it is time to change to something else. This is a project we are working on and will hopefully be done soon.
We are still not sure the extent of his touch hypersensitivities (whether it is normal toddler behavior or a true hypersensitivity). He panics in the bathtub anytime we rub our hands or the washcloth over him. He panics when we brush his hair. He doesn't appreciate me touching him out of comfort, stroking his arm, or rubbing his back or head. He usually pulls away in disgust. Lotion is a no go. Changing into clothes for the day is a fight. He refuses to wear anything other than his pajama shirts and pajama shorts. No pants, no "nice" shirts. Once again, we don't know if this is just him being stubborn or if the clothes really do hurt him. He is a lot more lenient about the shirts, but the pants are a struggle every time. The occupational therapist did say that he pulled away when she stroked a soft brush across his hand and across the top of his feet. So, hopefully we learn more soon.
But, on a great note, Weston starts preschool in January! We are super excited!
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