Cameron loves her her big brother Max. She wants to know where he is at all times, what he's doing, and she absolutely insists that she be involved whenever possible. She is fearless, and no matter how many times he pushes her away, smacks her on the head, or pinches her, she comes back for more. In fact, if I try to separate them, then she gets even madder and tells me "No Mommy! Cami wants to play with Max!".
Over the past month or so, something has changed. I'm not sure if Max has just resigned himself to the fact that his little sister is one persistent lass and resistance is futile, or if he has decided she isn't so bad after all, but he is actually starting to be patient with her. He is starting to joke with her and tease her. He is starting to play with her. Last night, as Cameron tried to get Max out of the recliner, he got a glimmer in his eye, pushed her off, making sure not to do it too hard, and smiled as she let out the inevitable "NO MAX, CAMI TOO!". Scott jumped in to make sure they didn't hurt each other (because Cameron gives it as well as she takes it).
After a few minutes, Cameron managed to squeeze her way back in and this time, Max did not push her off the recliner, and he stayed put. They sat like that for almost an hour, watching Iggle Piggle Pop or whatever that freaky show is with the funny little people and beings and sleepy time music. For all the hours and dollars that are put into Max's therapy, I would put money on the fact that Cameron is every bit as effective. She's like our mini take home IBI therapist. Poor Max, he NEVER gets a break. ;-)
Amazing, really. So much we can't understand, but persistence is almost always part of the answer, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteFor sure! We're lucky Cameron is not one to give up - ever! ;-)
ReplyDeleteok now I see where all the lunches go. The kid is huge!
ReplyDeleteShe is the best therapist - because 1) he knows she likes to be with him 2) she has the advantage of Time - i.e. you get rid of me now, but guess what I am gonna be back in 2 minutes 3) She ignores the behavior in pursuit of what she wants and she adapts what she wants to what he can give her.
4) she is pretty.
And its "In the Night Garden" - Iggle Piggle is just the main character. There is no one/thing called pop. There is a pinky ponk - a flying blimp but thats all that comes close to pop.
Lol...he IS huge. I just put him in a pair of 5/6 pants and they hardly needed to be rolled up at all. Sheesh.
ReplyDeleteIn the Night Garden...right...pinky ponk. Dear lord it is going to take me YEARS to block all this out.
Dear heavens, did someone seriously just correct you on your "Night Garden" character accuracy? I find that really funny.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of Cam as a mini-IBI therapist, but I think you are bang on the money there Kat. Isn't love a wonderfully fierce thing?
I'm so proud of every single person in your tight little family. See you soon babe
- Hell Kitty
Siblings (when willingly participating) are (research proven) very powerful for teaching their ASD siblings. Though young Cameron is to young for “work” expectations Max’s tolerance of her is relevant for the social domain (although her natural want to include or do like her brother does have incidental learning for her brother). By way of example our typical 3 year old son is the “director” for modelling behaviours and play skills for his 6 year old ASD brother, he helps his brother, and for social skills programs he “teaches” his brother. His brother in return learns and they are constantly affectionate to each other. Something you may want to consider (likely already) is young Cameron being actively involved in Max’s therapy in the future.
ReplyDeleteI know siblings are given pretty high expectations (either intentionally or sublimely) but we found it near impossible to find typical peers to help our son (read: hourly cost about $160 for a typical peer being bribed by parents to be involved and not liking it much, that isn’t helping). Our typical 3 year understands his older brother is “special” and while his brother does talk not so well all the time. The point being, once the sibling understands the reality they can be very helpful more so than being a loving sibling (also important).iblings (when willingly participating)