I know you're probably wondering about the fern. Right? Well, I'm really excited about that fern in a really huge way!
I have not had any type of potted plants in our home since Levi was a toddler. He has always been driven to dig out the dirt in the planters and sprinkle it all over everything in the room: couches, tables, carpets, windows and sills. Levi's never done this to be naughty, although at a glance, someone may think so.
Thank God it didn't take us long to realize that in Levi's eyes, everything becomes a canvas. A canvas, not just to create masterpieces, but a way to experience his world, a way to make his world more predictable, a way to shut-out the things that are causing too much sensory-overload and a way to experiment with his senses and how they relate to that medium. How does that black soil look as he flicks the dirt across the red couch? Does it sprinkle across the top of the cushion as a fine powder, or does it land with a light thud the way a clump of brown sugar would? How does it sound, smell, feel and taste? If he mixes it with his saliva, it becomes a way to paint on the windowpane. All the while, taking care of himself in a way to make life more manageable in a very chaotic world that he lives in.
Over the past couple weeks, we have been trying to absorb the reality of the positive changes that are happening with Levi and how it is affecting things in our home and even ourselves. It is absolutely mind-boggling and I'm quite sure we've only begun to really see the changes that are already taking place.
Levi isming with one of his favorites...Easter grass! |
Levi might make a mess once a day now! Some days, not even one. And I'm not talking about the fact that we spend the better part of most weekdays in the playroom. In the past, Levi would not have lost any time at all finding a mess to get into as soon as we came into the house.
So, when I realized this, it felt major and I decided to do a test. One that could have been a catostrophic mess if my test had failed! With the cooler weather blowing in, my huge fern from the front porch was put into the basement. I knew it wouldn't last long in the dark dungeon, so I had Christian, my 17 year old son, bring it up and put it in front of the window in the sitting room, more fondly called "the red room".
That was 3 days ago.
It's still there. Intact. Dirt and all. Levi has not touched the plant. One time, he went over and got a few dead leaves off the floor and threw them on the couch...that was immediately after it was brought up. I called him into the family room and he hasn't seemed interested since.
I have a beautiful fern in my house.
But...
What is this saying for our Levi? What does this mean for him?
Levi and I putting a puzzle together. Puzzles are very motivating and very gratifying for him. |
Levi being sad because all the balls were out of the pit. |
I cannot tell you how relieved I am to see my little buddy having the kind of relief he is experiencing and seeing him enjoy a learning environment makes my heart feel overjoyed!
If you are an Autism parent and have not had the opportunity to be a part of Son-Rise, I would do some research and begin implementing some of the basic principles of the program with your child. We have been doing Levi's program for almost 3 months now and are having earth-moving progress!
I know it's a tough time of the year for many, with it being the Christmas season, but if you are looking for an investment, Levi would be a great kid for the investment and will have big returns! :) Once we put the downpayment on Levi's Therapy Dog, we will have just about depleted his funds. We try to keep new and exciting therapy toys in his room to provide a constant sense of motivation, so I have a toy registry for him also! I am in the process of updating his registry so if you're interested in purchasing something for him from his registry, give me a day or so to finish. Thank you so much for supporting us the way you have over the past year. There Is NO way we could have gotten this far without all of you!
Happy Holidays to all of our family and friends!
<3 Angela, Levi's Mommy