So this week Jojo’s big thing was learning to COUNT!

It is one thing to know the numerical pattern (“1, 2, 3, 4… etc), but to actually understand the concept of the 1:1 correlation is HUGE you guys!

He not only can count “how many” of something he has, he can fill in the next numbers in a sequence (11, 12, 13, _?)  counting forward and backward up to 20.

He is still doing flash cards and is able to label objects on flashcards (many times without needing prompting).

He did have a meltdown this week (started before the therapists got there). Jojo was able to successfully self-regulate within about 20 minutes. The therapists just kind of sat back and watched. They gave him plenty of space and didn’t start until he was ready.

Our sessions typically look like this:

We start with ‘momentum-building’ exercises (things he is good at) like labeling letters (upper and lower case).

From there, we will try to add something new. If the therapist says it first, Jonah will repeat it.

Sometimes it will be a new word, sometimes it will be a new word “SOUND,” but in either case, each exercise is about a minute or so and then if Jonah opts to ask for space, the therapist will leave him alone to play in the play room for a good couple minutes before moving on to the next exercise.

Jonah likes watching different shows on TV (currently Super Simple Songs) so between exercises, he will simply ask for “TV” and watch. Sometimes they will do exercises while the TV is on, sometimes the therapist will pause the show if Jonah is particularly distracted by it.

When they are finished with the exercise, Jonah will request “TV!”

Jonah’s stamina is about an hour to an hour and a half depending on how his day has gone. On good days, he will last the entire two hours.

When Jonah has “reached the end of his stamina,” he will protest at ANYTHING, so the therapist will do one or two momentum builders (touch your nose, what letter is this?), and then honor Jonah’s verbal request for “more space.”

That tool (“space” or “more space”) has been a life-saver at home. Instead of screeching in protest, Jonah can just ask for “space” when he feels like he needs some alone time.

So things have been going pretty well…

I know this post is late, but the kids are currently on mid-winter break so I’m barely able to post anything at all.

Hope to see you next week!