Navigating Our Autism Journey: A Thursday Reflection
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Chapter 1: A Calm Start to the Day
This Thursday brought a sense of calmness to our autism journey, particularly when it comes to sleep. While some mornings still pose challenges, Owen managed to sleep through the night, which made for a more peaceful awakening. Although he was still energetic from the previous day, the atmosphere felt considerably more relaxed.
As I settled back into the "white bed," Owen bypassed the bathroom, prompting me to send him back. Soon after, he requested his tablet again. He climbed into bed, fully enveloped in his blanket, even covering his head. The morning remained lively with the sounds from his tablet, yet he made an effort to lower the volume when I reminded him.
Dressing was a compromise, as his choices didn’t fully align with his usual preference for blue. He ended up in black jeans and a shirt blending blue and black. He opted for his blue shoes, although they weren't quite on right. I encourage him to find what feels comfortable for him, as he tends to remove them anyway. After a little assistance, we headed out to catch the bus. His excitement was palpable when the bus turned the corner, and he dashed back to me with a beaming smile.
His repetitive speech wasn't as pronounced as the previous day, and he articulated his thoughts without the usual anxiety. I'm hopeful that he continues to make strides in understanding conversational dynamics.
Section 1.1: After School Conversations
When I picked him up from school, Owen was eager to share a flurry of conversations. He mentioned wanting to invite friends over for a party that I wasn't aware we were hosting. He insisted that I need to ask their parents and prepare for the event. He also talked about his best friend joining him for therapy, though I had to explain that it likely wouldn't happen this time.
Subsection 1.1.1: Therapy Session Insights
As we arrived at therapy, they took him in for his session. He performed well, although he appeared distracted by the time his final session rolled around. After therapy, he requested pizza for dinner and remained calm during the drive to get it. He relished his pizza and reminded me of his desire to go swimming the next day. I advised him that following the bedtime routine was essential and that a good night's sleep was necessary.
Section 1.2: Bedtime Routine Success
We spent some time playing games and singing together. When I went to grab a drink, the timer signaled bedtime. To my delight, he handed me his tablet before I even asked for it. His eagerness to visit the pool was evident, and he complied with all my requests, heading straight to bed without repeating himself. It felt like a miraculous breakthrough, and I'm overjoyed with his progress. If he sleeps through the night, it would be wonderful. Remember to follow your heart and pursue your dreams. Wishing smiles to everyone, and enjoy those donut days!
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