Progress over Perfection

I can't say enough amazing things about Colton's ABA center, The Learning Lane! He literally has the best therapists EVVVVA! I cried happy tears when I received this video from them this afternoon [I tend to cry a lot when it comes to seeing this little boys progress!]

ABA has been so wonderful and amazing with teaching Colton life skills. Skills that usually come easy to most neurotypical children, but that children with autism typically struggle with. Today he officially perfected WASHING AND DRYING HIS HANDS!!!

Some days I get so so tired of autism in our life. Tired of rearranging schedules, missing work, chauffeuring Colton around to appointment after appointment, therapist after therapist, specialist after specialist. I get tired of dealing with the meltdowns, the communication barrier, and the self stimulatory and self injurious behaviors.

I won't say that the days are easy, because there are more days than I care to admit where I wish I could give up, crawl into a hole, and hide away from the world. But then I think of all the progress Colton has made, especially in the past 2 months and how blessed I feel to be on this journey alongside him. To see him thrive in an environment so perfect for him is so rewarding. Pre diagnosis, autism was strictly a word that held little to no meaning for my family and I. But I feel thankful that I'm able to help spread awareness to the 1 in 68 children affected with autism!

Learning to wash & dry his hands!!!!!

Working on his imitation and matching goals!!!