iPad
Tonight, Mikey asked for his iPad. As I often do, rather than hopping up and beginning to look around for his iPad, I acknowledged what he asked. I said, ‘You’re looking for your iPad?’
This serves two purposes. Mikey knows I heard him and am here to help if he needs me. He also knows that finding the iPad is his job. With a more verbal kid, you might say, “Where did you last have it?” but that’s a complex idea for Mikey so I don’t often say much. I just wait a bit (and keep an eye out for signs of frustration – in which case I would provide more support).
Often, I need to jump in and help. That’s okay, but I am leaving room for him to grow and tackle things on his own.
But Tonight
Something new happened. Mikey went out to the garage, grabbed his iPad from the car (where he had left it), and came back inside with a big smile on his face.
This may seem like a small accomplishment, but it takes some cognitive growth to get to this stage. He thought it through himself and knew where he had left it. Then he went and got it himself.
Way to Go, Mikey!!
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About the Author
Erica Mauro is a mom to two teenage boys, Will who is neurotypical and Michael with Autism and cognitive delays. She holds a BA in Psychology from Colgate University and a Masters of Psychology in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College. Before staying home with her children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. For five years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs. In partnership with her husband Dave, she aspires to parent by using daily life as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, seizing on real experiences as opportunities to build skills and strategies for Michael in a joyful, loving home environment. On the tougher early days, she just tried to get everyone safely to bedtime and start fresh in the morning. *wink* 
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