Routes

I have mentioned that Susie loves routine, and follows a chosen route at the pool. If you haven't seen her, it's quite amazing. Susie has repetitive behaviors that are fascinating to watch. It's very intriguing and I really wish I knew what she was thinking as she creates these routes and routines.

She hands us sunscreen when she's ready for the pool.

It took me a while to realize that some of Susie's Quirky behaviors were signs of Autism. Susie is selective in what she likes and enjoys doing, but she when she enjoys something, she does it over and over and over. 

Playground at science City!

Susie loves puzzles. Lately she has had one favorite one. It's a wooden puzzle with sea animals. Susie will sit in the floor and do it 10-15 times. The other night she was putting it together and every time she picked up the octopus she would hit her arm and then slam the octopus. She didn't do it with any other piece, just that one and she did it the same way every single time! We still haven't figured out why she was mad at the octopus! 

Puzzles at school!

We visited Chilli Bay last week, and for 2 hours she walked the exact same route. She started at one end of the baby pool by diving in. She then would walk to the steps, get out, walk to the other pool, jump in, get out, and start all over again. Ty and I were getting tired so we just each manned a pool! 

Pool time with the family!

The other night Susie was walking a routine around the living room that involved a dangerous balancing act on the trampoline. She walked by my mom, mom touched her back and said, "what are you doing." From then on, every time Susie went by she would not move in until Nana touched her back! 

I took Susie to a different park a week ago. It took a minute but she developed a routine. She started in the swing, jumped out, and  stoped the swing. Then she would run across the playground, touch the fence and then head back to the swing! 

We were on the porch one afternoon and Susie was playing in her water table. She would duck her head in and then come drop the water on me. I told her to go away, and she would walk away. Then she would start all over with dunking her head, and dripping it on me. To mess with her I started waiting her out. She would grab my arm to get my attention and when I would say "go away" she would run off! 

Next time you see Susie out somewhere, see if you can figure out her route! They are always unique and entertaining to watch! 

Behavior

Hello friends! Summer is sure flying by and I don't like it one little bit! Susie has had a very busy, but fun summer. She is down to her last few days at UCP, and will have a few weeks off before starting KINDERGARTEN! We will save that for another post. 😭

Susie joined the Sunday School class this week!

In this post I want to address Susies routines and behaviors. In the past few weeks, we have had some situations in which people think Susie can't/shouldn't be made to follow rules. However, we have also had a few instances where people don't realize that sometimes she's doing the best she can in the situation she's been placed in. 

I made her take a picture by the UCP sign, she didn't want to stop playing! 

Every child is different and fulfilling their wants and needs is often trial and error. Susie thrives off of routine and structure. Despite her inability to speak, Susie knows right from wrong, and can follow directions. However, that doesn't mean she always likes what she's hearing. This sometimes leads to fit throwing or crying. A major misconception is that non verbal = quiet, and that's far from the case with Susie! 

Her Dad gets the best pictures of her! 

For a long time, I was nervous to take Susie places because she does have a difficult time in some situations. However, we have learned how to accommodate her needs, and avoid situations that could lead to a melt down. Like driving by the pool with no intention to stop and swim!

Fireworks really stressed her out, so we watched from a distance! 

Just this summer, Susie has learned that at the pool we take a break every hour and get a snack. She has never done this before, and it was not popular at first, but she now does it with little fuss. Susie has also learned that at Casey's (her favorite place in the world) she must give the cashier her snack before she can have it back. Last week, she even gave them money to pay for her snack. Susie also knows that the gate to our front porch should be shut, and if it's not she takes care of it. She does the same with all the bedroom doors. Susie is also responding to "come here" "can I have a hug?" "bring me a cup" and "time for a bath." Susie is following the command of "sit down" and is holding hands really well in public. Susie has also started to respond to "tell me you are sorry," by giving us a hug when she has done something unkind.

She loves her brother and sister! 

I would be lying if I said Susie never has fits anymore because she absolutely does. However, I feel the more people that know her are eager to accommodate her and assist us in anything we need. Sometimes that means giving Susie the chips right out of your mouth or a swipe of your cake icing! 

You don't normally want to share chips with her! 

We have had a few run ins in the last few weeks in which I wanted to give people a lesson on having compassion. But most of the time, people we encounter who know our story are wonderful and nurturing. 

She loves her brother's Godzilla and will give him the remote to work it! 

Since Susie was officially diagnosed with Autism I have felt a sense of validation and acceptance. I have mentioned it before but once we learned to live in Susie's world she is thriving!

Thank you for reading along and sharing in our story! If you see me in public and have a question, please don't be afraid to ask. I love sharing our story and often times I learn from those conversations too! ❤️