Monday, November 14, 2022

Indepedent Steps

 James made a PB&J this weekend. All on his own. I am excited -
the quiet deep excitement with the word "YES" playing over in my head. 

Photo of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich

At was all the more terrific because he did it when he was frustrated. The pizza delivery he'd earned was, shall we say, messed up on the delivery end. He was hungry. I suggested he make himself a snack, something like he'd been practicing in ABA sessions, like a sandwich or quesadilla.

He said "Peanut butter and jelly? um, okay - yes!" Out came the jars. He found the bread and pronounced it "good!" and proceeded to make his sandwich. He needed a little help with cutting it diagonally, but that's it. No prompting, no fussing, just calm and confident sandwich making.

We celebrated by visiting Diagon Alley via the first Harry Potter movie. James faded out soon after that scene. I think the shouty Dursleys were really his favourite part.

It hit me again this morning, as I was doing errands. Driving the van on a clear sunny autumn morning, where the flaming trees showed bold against the blue sky, yet the sunlight felt warm and mellow inside the car. Again, the quiet "Yes!" and then "Thank you". Because we are here again, moving forward. James is using life skills we've been working on.  

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