There he is. My man. My Bubba. You may think, ok he's laying on the floor just doing nothing. Actually, he's doing TONS!!!! He's coping. Tolerating all of the chaos going on around him. 5 minutes before this picture was taken, Brianna and I were over there sitting with him. Giving him verbal support. It started, not so well. We got there a bit early so that he could run laps, and stim all he wanted in front of the mirror.
This group is for ages 10 and up. The oldest member is in his 50's. There's a few people that Tommy will interact with, but not during this drum circle. This is not an Autism Specific group. So none of the accommodations are ever made (such as there is intense fluorescent lighting, mirrors on EVERY wall, and these drums echo like you can't even IMAGINE!). Tommy's been a part of this group for close to 3 years (off and on). He's never really enjoyed the drum circles, but he enjoys SEEING his "friends". He did so great last night shaking everyone's hand and verbally responding to the words actually coming out of the mouths of others. We even had eye contact.
Brianna and I were able to phase away from him and went to sit on the benches with the other parents/care givers. I initially walked over there because he was mouthing curse words so I was GOING to get my purse and be ready to go. But, after I walked away, he stayed. And, behaved. There was zero interaction during the drumming but.. look at this coping. So proud of him. It's like a dream come true seeing him able to manage again.
That's WONDERFUL!!!! I am so impressed. Tommy is doing so well, long may it continue.
ReplyDeleteTHAT is flippin' awesome. i smiled all through this post
ReplyDeleteMy Aspie hates group anything. He shuts down immediately and it's affecting him in his math class.
ReplyDeletebbsmum (((hugs))) I'm keeping it very light. We had to step out a couple of times. Very loud.
ReplyDeleteVws way awesome. He had fun last night actually. Before and after.
C.. Thats how Tommy got back in Feb. His only social outings now are the store, dr's appts, and this for one hour a week. Oh and the homeschool instructor for one hour a week. It's been BABY steps.
Rhonda, this is so great. I am thrilled for Tommy and for you. Very, very cool. Great coping!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!! I'm so glad he's coping. It always lights up my face to hear how well others are doing and how hard they are trying. And they are trying so hard to keep things together. YAY!!!
ReplyDeleteI love how he is there but made his own space!! That is an unusual environment to tolerate and that is what makes it so amazing and cool! Yay for Tommy! It's not easy to do what he's doing! :)
ReplyDeleteYay, that's awesome!! What a big step, being able to tolerate that without having to actually leave. You must be so proud!
ReplyDeleteThank you to EVERYONE!! I AM very proud. Yet, at each one of these (there are 2 more to go) I swear to you have have panic attacks there just HOPING that we get through that hour. This last one was especially LOUD so I am getting him some headphones to help drown out some of the noise.
ReplyDeleteLove this inspiring blog of yours. I could probably take a lesson from this kid.
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