We have been MIA, but not for lack of action, we have been busy. We have been sick on and off for about three weeks now. We have had our share of many illnesses, including the stomach flu, Flu A, upper respiratory infection, hives, and sinus infections. It has been a rough month, but Susie has made some huge strides. Susie has done many new things this month both at home and at school.
I have struggled with the correct term to use when comparing Susie to other children her age. "Normal" is not the correct term, because in her own way Susie is perfectly normal. While speaking to a friend, she used the terms neurotypical (The word “neurotypical” describes someone who thinks and processes information in ways that are typical within their culture. They tend to learn skills and reach developmental milestones around the same time as their peers), and neurodivergent (The term “neurodivergent” describes people whose brain differences affect how their brain works). She also said, "this is Susie's world, and you just have to figure out how to navigate it with her."
Many things that are difficult for Susie, come easier to her peers that are neurotypical. As I mentioned earlier, Susie has been sick, which means the Doctor, which Susie despises. It is awful to take her to the doctor. However, at her last appointment Susie did pull the Doctor in for a hug. If you think the doctor visit is rough, just try giving her Tylenol or an antibiotic. If you are looking to lose a finger, go ahead and brush her teeth. Don't even think about sharing a bag of chips with her, because she licks all the seasoning off and puts them back in the bag. Turning on the shower used to send her into an absolute tantrum, now she will just run and hide, but takes a bath just fine. Sometimes, I am guilty of focusing on the things Susie doesn't do, or the things she should be doing. However, when I keep my focus on what Susie CAN and DOES do, it amazes me.
This year we signed Susie up for soccer. I knew it would look different for her, and she has yet to participate in a game. However, at practice, she goes out there with her peers, and she runs, and plays, and has fun, which is a win in our book. This weekend, for the first time ever, Susie participated in an Easter egg hunt, not once but twice. She picked up the eggs and put them in a bag, which she has never done before. Sure, she brought her own tenderloin, but that's beside the point. On Easter Sunday, Susie participated in Children's Church, which she has never been able to do before. We only had one small donut disaster, but Dad saved the day! Susie also went to Sunday School class, where we colored a page, and only ate one crayon!! She played with a food set, and cleaned up when church was finished. She put together a new puzzle, that was unfamiliar to her. Susie also, enjoyed some time on the outside trampoline, which used to terrify her.
At school, Susie has also started to play more interpedently and is exploring new toys every day. She has experienced a tough phase called dumping, in which she literally dumps anything and everything. She was clearing the fridge, cabinets, table, you name it. At first, it looked cute and fun, but at 1:00 in the morning (late nap) it wasn't cute, and I got out the duct tape. She also struggled with this at school, so they have changed her routine to help her, and she has done really well with it.
Lastly, Susie has started asking, no, demanding trips to Casey's. You might be wondering how a child that doesn't talk "asks" for something. Well, Susie is a master at communicating without words. She will get her shoes, and coat and bring them to someone. Then she pulls an adult (usually her dad, he's a sucker) by the finger to the door. She will then lead him to the car and when the door opens she climbs in. If you aren't planning to go to Casey's, your plans just changed because she will begin to vocalize her wishes, quite loudly. The same happens if you try to drive past McDonald's!!
