Tuesday, June 02, 2009

This is Why We Walk.

One of our first cues that something was "up" with Max, was that at 14 months, he wasn't talking. At 18 months and 24 months, he still wasn't talking. It's really only been in the past few months that he has started using words (and they have been sporadic at best). This past month, we have really started to hear him use words, and hearing him talk is just about the best thing ever. It isn't just single words either, we are hearing two and three word phrases. This past weekend, when I was reading Max "Ten In the Bed" (his favourite book), he sang the words "roll over, roll over". Scott and I just about fell on the floor. Grandparents were called, and we were thrilled when Max sang the words again and again.

I decided to film him tonight so that you can hear Max sing. I hesitated before sharing the video, because if you aren't familiar with Max, you may be surprised by this video. What you will see is that he is rocking back and forth, bouncing on our couch. He rocks when he gets tired - this is how he calms himself and self-soothes. Because you don't have a starting point to measure his progress, I can tell you that the improvements we are seeing include increased eye contact, singing, leading the actions in the story without being prompted, and following instructions by turning the pages. His pronunciation isn't perfect, but his pitch is terrific, and it is very clear that he is singing the words "roll over".

This is why we walk. Getting Max to this point has taken us two years. There is no quick fix for treating Autism. It is hard work. It costs A LOT of money. It is progress measured in inches. It the last thing we think about before we fall asleep and the first thought that enters our minds when we wake up in the morning.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated to Team Maxwell for the Autism Speaks Walk For Autism. If you would like to donate, we appreciate any and all help! One day Max will say "thank you" himself, but for now, we will say it on his behalf. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:07 p.m.

    We love you Max! Thank you for this!

    mb

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous9:12 p.m.

    Great clip, Katrina. I see more than self-soothing in the rocking, he's also keeping time with your voice! And the looks and smiles he gives you, (even when you're not looking) are amazing and interactive.

    my two cents,
    Noreen

    ReplyDelete
  3. thank you so much for sharing Kat. What an amazing thing to see Max moving forward and to finally hear his voice! Good luck with the walk on the weekend. I hope to be able to see you all soon!

    ReplyDelete
  4. that brought tears to my eyes. seriously. he's just awesome. yay, max!

    (and that used to be one of my favourite songs when i was little... "i'm crowded... roll over...")

    great stuff, carefoots!

    ReplyDelete
  5. btw, my cousin used to rock/bounce when he was tired, too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love his smiles. He is so pleased with himself and I know hearing his voice is important, but to me the most important thing is him referencing your face. Looking at someone and referencing them for emotion/reaction whatever, is MAJOR. Well done Max. Well done you too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous9:46 p.m.

    Okay Kat I'm balling, and I don't cry easy. Incredible progress, I'm so proud of Max and happy for the Carefoots!

    Love Jen M.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous12:01 a.m.

    Kat, I'm real happy for all of you! He has such a nice smile and what great accomplishments with his singing, eye contact and interaction!! Hope the weather will be great for the walk this weekend!

    Karen Koh

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love seeing that little dude smile! He's doing great!

    ReplyDelete
  10. So happy for you! Max is doing so well!

    ReplyDelete