Preston is making more and more verbal sounds. The sounds are becoming more intelligible. So much so, that I feel like Preston is on the brink of actually saying a word. I have been down this path before, and feel like I have continually set myself up for disappointment when I think he is about to talk and he doesn’t. Jay and I are constantly working with him on verbal imitation and his sound repertoire is growing everyday. We will just wait and see.
I am beyond happy right now and have so many emotions. I was working on the computer as Preston was playing in the living room. He came and got me, and took my by my hand into his bedroom. He was reaching up for the top of his changing tower. His little light up turtle was up there. He then started trying to climb up the unit, and I pulled him down, and said, “Do you want your turtle?” Preston got so excited and then ran over and shut his bedroom door. He then proceeded to do the sign for “off” to turn the lights off. I flipped the lights off and Preston started doing the sign for “off” to turn the lights off. When the lights are off the stars from the turtle appear bright on his walls. As soon as I cut the lights off Preston started doing his sign for “shake” for me to shake, shake his turtle. Periodically I would turn it off, for him to be able to do the sign for “on” and “shake” again. The last time I turned it off, he didn’t immediately do the sign for “on.” I ask, “Preston what do you want to do with the turtle?” He went to the door and tried opening the door, and he couldn’t get it open. He then looked at me and did the sign for “all done.” I jumped up and flipped the lights on and opened his door, then he proceeded to take off running out to the living room. I was so excited as Preston initiated a game with me, as well as said he was finished. He is really understanding his signs and is able to generalize them to all settings!!!
Puzzle Pieces for Preston 