So much gratitude and love

Thank you so much Son-Rise team for the past semester!!!! Our wonderful volunteers have finished out this semester and most will be gone for the summer. We hope so much that we will see you next fall back in the playroom, or at least to stay in touch!! Many thanks go to:
Sara Gosser
Mary Albrethsen
MaryPage Dalrymple
Melissa Kijowski

and a huge welcome and thank you to Diana Gabriel who has just joined our team and will return after a short break to start with us in July.

Diana weathered her first times in the playroom with mom and dad and then individually with Gavin with grace, smiles, and love. Gavin reacted strongly to mom's plan to leave the room, became very rigid, crying, and yelling at Diana to leave. Diana did very well staying calm, non-judgemental and loving. She moved as slowly and quietly as possible and moved as far away as she could (without leaving the room). Mom was not going out yet so I explained Diana was there to be with him and play and reassured him of him being in control and being able to choose if he wanted to play or not, and continued to play with him when possible. As Gavin became more calm and comfortable, mom moved to the side of the room and requested Diana to try to become more involved in the interaction (following Gavin's lead and if he was open to it). About 10 minutes later, Gavin and Diana were playing together, interacting some, and Gavin was much more relaxed and comfortable. I did leave them while he ate lunch and he actually was interactive with Diana during lunch. This is usually a very exclusive experience for Gavin as it is a very sensory experience and he often seems very focused on chewing, humming, and enjoying his different foods.

Mom stayed in the room and Diana very gradually moved into the play not to "not upset Gavin" or to "make him happy," but to give him as much control, predictability and acceptance as we could. We cannot be responsible for his feelings or behavior, but we love and accept him no matter what he chooses to do, knowing he is making the best decision for himself at the time. I view him crying and telling me not to leave as his wonderful way of taking care of himself and showing how connected he is with me (which has increased and strengthened so much since starting Son-Rise about 10 months ago). It is just amazing to see him yelling and crying at one point and then to see him so much more comfortable, happy and overcoming interaction challenges to talk to and play with new volunteers. Thanks Diana for overcoming these first session challenges and giving of yourself to be a part of this great experience.

With volunteers who were finishing up last week, Gavin seemed to be giving them a special gift of being particularly connected, interactive and playful. As I gave MaryPage a hug goodbye, Gavin ran out the back door saying "I want to help with the hug too" and hugged MaryPage too. So cute!! He then walked with her out to her car and "skipped", telling her the cues he uses with his OT to practice skipping.

Our outreach on April 16 was wonderful. I learned so much about playroom techniques and new games to try with Gavin, but more importantly I discovered some issues in myself that affect our whole program. Gavin played some great games with Susan, had more conversations with her than ever before, and definitely gave more eye contact. And he also resisted going in the room at the start of the afternoon and remained exclusive and very rigid and controlling some of the time with her, teaching me yet again how I need to not "NEED" him to be in the room or doing exactly what I want in order to be ok with things and still happy.

Gavin continues to improve and have awesome eye contact, also while talking (especially with mom and dad), to play more cooperatively and peacefully with Samuel, and to ask and answer relevant questions in play and interactions with others. We continue to focus on increasing his flexibility, extending loops of conversation or interaction with others, and expanding friendship skills to strengthen his ability to make friends and interact with peers.

As I prepare to return to the Option Institute in a few weeks for an advanced training program, New Frontiers, I am so grateful and happy that we found the Son-Rise Program and have embarked on this journey to change ourselves and inspire Gavin to change and grow so much!!!

Very sleepy and must get to bed, but I will try to be more diligent in keeping up on this blog a little better. More soon re: Gavin's school situation for next year. Can't believe this year at Gateway is coming to a close. Gateway staff have been so loving and supportive. We are incredibly grateful for all of the teachers and staff!!!!