Another one of my favorite things to do is to play with strings. I like to twirl them, tie them around things, and put them in my mouth. I can find a string anywhere. My mommy gives me a slinky to play with when I crave strings.  I am not sure where my body is in space; so to meet my proprioceptive needs, I sometimes wear weighted vests.  I also like to cover myself and wrap myself in towels, blankets, and sheets. I have problems with motor planning and my perception of movement.  In order to get vestibular input, a few of the things I enjoy are swinging, spinning, scoter boards, and bouncing on a ball. The sensation of being brushed, and joint compressions tends to calm me down when I get too hyperactive. I have a tendency to knaw on my left  arm when I am over-stimulated or frustrated !

My fine motor skills have improved within the last year. I can use a fork and a spoon, dress myself, turn on the faucet, and turn lights off and on just to name a few. If you turn your back I will eat with my hands. I have mastered the toileting sequence. I am still learning how to request to go to the toilet. My parents take me every thirty minutes. They show me a picture of the toilet and ask me if I have to go potty. I am scheduled trained. I am starting to take myself, and I like to play in the toilet water. Usually when I have to go potty, I will pause and bend forward.   

Sometime difficult times for are when I get frustrated because I am trying to let others know what I am trying to say, and they don't understand me. Using sign language and pictures helps me a lot. I am a visual learner. There are about 50 words that I can say, but I don't always say them consistently. I understand a lot of things that are said to me. The increase in my receptive language allows me to follow directions very well. You can learn more about how I communicate by visiting the Language section of my website.  My Mommy is studying the stages of language development, and according to research I am at the single word stage of development.  

Also when I get over or under stimulated, I tend to scratch and bite.  At times my ears are super sensitive to sound. Speaking to me in a soft nurturing tone lets works best for me. I will put my fingers in my ears super quick, when the sound is too much, or I just  don't want to listen to what others are saying. I also scratch, and bite to avoid activities that are new or hard for me. Crying, walking away, and closing my eyes, and putting my fingers in my ears are some ways I avoid activities that I do not find appealing. Taking sensory brakes usually help me reorganize myself, and recovery is usually quick.  

I can sense others expectations of me. If an adult thinks I cannot do a task then I wont do it even if I can. In other words, if you don't think I can, then I wont. I relate better to adults, and I especially like teachers., and therapist I learn better when they work with me in a one on one situation in a quite spacious environment.

I try to interact with my peers but I am not sure what to do. I am taking a class to help me with my social skills. I benefit more from typical developing peers. I tend to mimic the stimulatory behaviors of other children with special needs. I work well when I am rewarded. The concept of doing something to get something is fun for me.  

I am also learning to pretend play. Playing "night, night" is my favorite pretend game. I am at the cause and effect stage of play. My favorite part is turning off the lights. In my spare time, I like to swim, listen to music, and sing. I like to visit Kids Town, Incredible Pizza Company,Chuckie Cheeses, the zoo, the park, the Children's Museum, and Wal-Mart. My favorite color is purple, and I like to watch to watch Hannah Montanna, and Hi Five on the Kids Discovery Channel.  Some of my favorite foods are spaghetti, carrots, apples, pears, bread, Pop Tarts, pizza, turkey, and Popsicles.

I am allergic to apple juice and orange juice, but I do not have an allergic reaction when I eat an apple or orange. My future looks promising; I have a loving supportive family, great therapists and teachers. Most of all, I have great potential. I need everyone on my team to root for me.   

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