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Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Zoo Pals

I think of mentioned before on this blog Frog's ability to memorize huge chunks of any dialogue he has seen on tv or videos or listened to on the radio. He'll come up to me sometimes and ask to watch certain things by reciting almost the whole thing. For example, this happened yesterday...

Frog: Watch "Hello, my flower. I'm stuffed up and so congested. I've returned my flower, a changed bee"?

Me: You want to watch the bee commercial?

Frog: Watch "Hello, my flower. I'm stuffed up and so congested. I've returned my flower, a changed bee"?

Me: Just a minute.

There is no way he is going to be able to watch this commercial on demand so I try and distract him. A few minutes later...

Frog: Watch "Oink Oink Zoo Pals. Buzz Buzz Zoo Pals"?

Me: Just a minute. going to my room to have a quick lie down.

A few weeks ago I got the Frog referred to the public school system for their early development program. They evaluate him and see if he qualifies for service like free preschool and in home visits from professionals. I got him referred because of his behavioral issues (hitting, MAJOR tantrums, etc...). After a few visits with the people at LPS, it turns out that he qualifies for services because his communication is at the level of a 20 month old (he just turned 3). He's also showing some signs of autism spectrum disorder (his good memorization skills, his mania for counting things, control issues). The good news: he has a lot of skills that point otherwise (extremely social, good eye contact, pretend play). We aren't going to do the testing for autism for at least 6 months to see if the in home visits will improve his communication skills. They also say that this could be a big factor in why he gets so darn angry at the drop of a hat. I'm willing to try anything!

These past couple of days I have been so proud of him. We went to the Y yesterday and he didn't try to run away out into the parking lot (the first time, EVER!). He stayed with me the whole time and was calm. He didn't flop out, cry, or do anything else that resembled a tantrum. I was so excited. Then, when we were leaving...it was the same thing! He was the vision of calm. I'm so pleased that I decided to take advantage of the 70 degree weather today and we're going to make a trip to the Omaha Zoo. Yep, I'm taking both kids to the zoo by myself. I may regret it later but I can't help but think that he's going to be good. Wish me luck!

8 comments:

  1. I'm so sad I couldn't go with you today, I'm definitely in next time! Hope it went well! I know my kids are always exhausted and usually sleep all the way home! Yeah!

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  2. This is me wishing you good luck!

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  3. OMgosh i'm sooo proud of him too! have fun at the zoo! good luck!

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  4. We had a blast at the zoo. They did sleep all the way home, Wendy. The penguins were a big hit. I think we stayed there for at least 30 minutes before I had to drag them away. Then, it was straight to the sharks, stingrays, and turtles for another 30 minutes+ of fun. Too bad Lincoln doesn't have an aquarium. We'd be there every week! They could care less for the birds, sea lions, and the farm animals. The bears were a good spot. Frog kept talking to them like they were dogs. "Come here, bear. Come here!".

    Oh yeah, the gorillas were pretty good, too. They freaked me out, though. A couple of them came charging at the glass and started banging on it right in front of us. I saw them coming but this lady beside me about pooped her pants because she had her back turned and then just heard the bang and turned around to see huge gorillas inches from her face. Fun times.

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  5. We love the penguins too! We love to do running commentary on what they're saying. There was one that was just walking back and forth on the edge watching the other ones swim. We decided that he must've been the lifeguard! I think the last time we went they were just finishing up the gorilla exhibit. We need to go up there soon!

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  6. Wow Christy, we have gone thru the EXACT same thing with Harrison. Has anyone said the word "Aspergers" to you yet?

    Harry is 3 yrs and 3 months old now. I held off on everything because I didn't want him labeled so young. I talked to my pediatrician that said I should wait until he's three yrs old, and then if I was still concerned he'd refer me to a place in Madison.

    His speech is blossoming so much, like a snowball going down a hill. And as it's getting better, the tantrums are lessening (a tiny bit.)

    We can email more if want, you have my email right? Email me at yarnsnob75(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll reply to you with my "real" email address.

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  7. Anonymous3:14 PM

    Christie,

    As hard as it can be to hear some of this stuff, knowing and having a game plan will help everyone feel less frantic. I have a cousin with Aspbergers and we have several mildly autistic kids in our ward (I don't know the real term....able to function, but need help w/ some social skills and cues). I am glad that you are finding people to help you all figure it out. I remember when you were SO frustrated with him. :-)

    We live 45 minutes from the Monterrey Aquarium and we NEVER go. I have also NEVER been to the Zoo here. You just inspired me.

    You are doing a great job and I can't wait to hear about how things go.

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  8. Anonymous2:22 PM

    I had to laugh when I read your zoo pals entry today. Logan started singing the song at the grocery store so I bought him some! Hope you're well!
    Your shawl is beautiful, by the way.
    ~Gigi

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