So proud of Jake

I know that for most parents, trick-or-treating isn't something you come away from feeling proud.  And it seems like an odd thing to say.

But when you think about Jake's personality and the problems he has had, and especially when I think about what he was like before we started therapy this summer, it starts making more sense.

One of Jake's issues is that he has social anxiety.  My theory on it is that he can't be sure of what people will be like or act like, and it can potentially be too much sensory information to take in.  So his way of coping with this has been to try to avoid interaction with new or unfamiliar people at all costs.

Therapy has really helped.  His social speech group all summer made such a difference.  His twice monthly sessions with his OT, Rachael, works wonders.  And now we're in a weekly food group -- which has him interacting with other children with similar problems, their parents, and a new teacher.

Add to all of this, being in a Mother's Day Out program 2 days a week and functioning SO incredibly well in it.  He absolutely loves his teacher and is really learning to function in an educational environment.  So yeah, definitely major progress over the past few months.

And why am I so proud?

Little dude talked to SO MANY PEOPLE last night.  Bound up to their doors excitedly, said trick-or-treat, accepted their candy, said "have a good night," and played a little with some dogs in a few houses . . . he wasn't shy or withdrawn or apprehensive at all, the whole night.  He was just excited.

And yeah, it was in the quest for candy.  But at this point?  I'll take what I can get.

(Pictures will be posted tonight or in the morning.)

Comments

[Kelly]

YAY JAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SOOOO proud of him too!!!!!

Before preschool last year, Nathan was most of the time painfully shy, now he is just a little shy some of the time. It is amazing isnt it to see such great progress?! Makes our hearts smile!!!!! :):)

Last night while trick or treating, Nathan wanted us to knock on most doors but he was totally into saying "trick or treat" and thank you, it was awesome!!!!

Love you! Love Jake!

[Sue]

YAY Jake!!! That's wonderful - he's come such a long way. You must be one proud mama!

[Sandi P.]

Waiting patiently to see Jake in his halloween costume.

[Elizabeth]

Yay Jake , and YAY you....

What great progress!

[Ninotchka]

That's just beautiful, Jen. He looked so cute too! They all did. :)