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!