Yes, Life is Becoming Very Good...Finally!
When we decided to buy a camper at the end of last summer and put it at a campground for a season, Adam and I knew it was a huge risk. We weren't sure how Sam was going to react being out of his elements here at home, and if it didn't work, what a financial hit it would have been on Adam and me. Not only have I been able to get back to my roots with camping, but I've been lucky enough to share my love of camping with my family. I honestly believe that camping has been the best therapy for Sam. Many children with Autism have sensory issues, social issues, speech issues, etc. Whispering Pines has everything there to naturally address most of the areas that Sam has been lacking in. His sensory therapy includes enjoying the water and playing in the sand at the beach. His social issues are constantly being challenged with all of the people at the campground and he has made so much progress there. He's very social and is starting to have conversations with all of the wonderful people we have met there and his speech just keeps getting better. We definitely made the right decision and look forward to many more summer's at Whispering Pines. However, if Sam keeps asking for golf carts and other highly priced items, we may have to reconsider! Yes, we bought Sam a golf cart. He loves it and even slept on it Saturday night.
Sam continues to do great in his new classroom with his buddies. It's still difficult getting him out of my car in the morning to go into school, but once he's inside, he's happy to be with his friends and to move on with his day. His teacher made me a book that has pictures with velcro attached to the back of them. With these pictures, Sam is able to use them to tell me about his day and what he did. Right now he's limited to 2 pictures, but should move on to 3 since he's doing so well. As I mentioned in previous posts, our conversation in the car after I picked him up from school was the same thing every day. He would tell me that he peed on the potty and had gym. Now with pictures, he's able to tell me that he had center time, sensory room time, circle time, etc. I love it and I love that school!
Both kids had dentist appointments today and thankfully I had Adam with me. Gabby did great, but unfortunately things didn't go so well for Sam. He will need to go to a pediatric dentist and get sedated in order for him to have his teeth cleaned...poor kid.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer as much as we are and welcome visitors down at the campground anytime!
