Autism Therapy: Illinois

            Thomas is still sleeping in his bed all night and it’s probably because of his lingering fears about the possibility that we could re-schedule that sleep study.  We’re not planning to do that at this point, but I hope that by the time his fear wears off, he’ll just be used to sleeping in his bed all night.  Whatever happens, I’m enjoying waking up cool and comfortable and not sweating my brains out because there’s a warm little body pressed up against mine.

            Last week, Thomas had his school pictures and we realized that he really should have a haircut so that he didn’t look like a wild man.  Jonathan cut his own hair first while Thomas looked on so we decided that we’d better just bite the bullet and get it done.  Thomas stood up on the sink and we let him handle the clippers for a few minutes instead of strapping him into his booster seat and holding his head still.  This new method, while not as quick, was far less troublesome for Thomas.  He “cut” his hair for a few minutes and then Jonathan offered to help.  We eventually got it done and we were able to use the reward of “taking a shower with Daddy” to encourage Thomas.  Again, we are completely shocked by our son who has not had an easy-going haircut for many months now.  Are we learning more about how to handle Thomas, or is he changing?

            By the way, I thought that his school picture from last year absolutely could not be topped, but Thomas proved me wrong (again).  He took a great picture and I ordered bunches – I’ll post one when we get the order.

            The field trip last week went well, I will assume, because I received no phone calls or notes from Thomas’ teacher about any errant behavior.  It seems that he got to ride a “big bus” unlike the small bus he usually rides to school.  He told me all about it; there are apparently no seat belts on the big bus and there were more kids on the bus, etc.  The pumpkin farm?  I got very little information about that.  He came home with one of the most stunted and diseased-looking pumpkins I have seen, but I think that Thomas has a soft spot for the “different” gourds that he thinks nobody will want.  Actually, I have the same soft spot myself. 

            Tomorrow is the big Halloween parade at school and I’m looking so forward to it because we missed it last year.  The kids were both barfing last Halloween so I’m happy that we’ll be able to go to school tomorrow and see the parade.  I’m hoping that they’ll let Hayley participate since she’ll be with me and dressed up like Snow White.  Tomorrow afternoon, we’re going trick-or-treating with my brother-in-law’s family and I’m interested to see how the kids do.  This will be the first Halloween where Thomas can equate ringing doorbells and repeating a simple chant with receiving free candy.  I’m wondering if it will be difficult to get him back home.  I’m also wondering if he’s going to ring doorbells all year hoping that the person answering the door will give him Tootsie Rolls.

            Another good thing about being able to go to school tomorrow is that I will finally meet Thomas’ new teacher in person.  She was very nice over the phone but it will be great to talk to her face-to-face and see Thomas’ new room.  Hayley was trying to talk me into wearing my Cleopatra wig and headpiece but I have decided against it since I only get one chance at a first impression.

            I’m especially looking forward to Thursday when my sister and her boyfriend will be visiting from California.  I haven’t seen her since late March and the kids are excited to see her since she keeps sending them t-shirts and candy.  Every time they put on one of the shirts she’s sent (from Santa Barbara, Las Vegas and Universal Studios so far) they say, “Aunt Tiffy sent this from Cow-for-nia!”  Thomas and Hayley have so many destination t-shirts that it looks like they’ve taken several decadent vacations at their young ages.  Hawaii, Las Vegas, Santa Barbara, Universal Studios California, Cayman Islands, St. Thomas, St. Maarten/St. Martin and Disney World, to name the few I can remember off-hand.  They’ve actually been to Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin.  The reality is nowhere near as interesting as their wardrobe.  So Aunt Tiffy has been buying their love like any good aunt should and she will reap the benefits on Thursday.  I’m also interested in meeting her gentleman friend.  He’s from California and has never been to Chicago (or met our family, God help him) so we’re going to see how he holds up.  Another interesting factoid about this fellow is that he works with an autistic adult several days a week, helping him with shopping or doing fun activities with him.  I’m eager to talk to him a bit about that.

            A satisfyingly spooky Halloween to all!