Progress...

What a great week! Daniel, who is basically non-verbal, has had a great week in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). He completely shocked us many times. His verbal imitation ("say xxxx...") has been good, his expressive programs (shown a picture and asked "what is it") has been awesome. Several other verbal programs have been excellent, and many of his non verbal programs have been great too. He has been "on" since Tuesday this week. It is enough to break out the champagne... at least if we drank - so we'll settle for a can of coke.

While most school programs accept 80% accuracy to move onto the next goal, Holdsambeck & Associates, Inc. requires 100% accuracy. We know when one of the boys "masters" something (getting 5 out of 5 correct responses, 2 times in a row, back to back, with 2 different instructors), they have truly "mastered it". Even on their "off" days (when they are not "available for learning") we know they have retained what they've learned. It's just buried down inside somewhere, and it's our job to help them access it.

Anthony has also been doing very well, he actually masters a few programs every week (at least it seems like it). He is so awesome. Though I sometimes wonder if I'm giving Anthony enough praise to show him how proud I am of him. Daniel rarely does so well for so long, that when he does, everyone acknowledges it in an over the top, enthusiastic way.

Anthony on the other hand, will respond only so well for so long with praise. He doesn't appreciate the over-the-top, whoop it up type of praise. So I just wonder what he must think when Daniel receives it. At first he'll get excited for Daniel (or maybe because everyone else is excited - but I'll keep on thinking he's happy for his brother, because I believe he is), then he's so over it and you can tell by the look on his face that it's time to get back to work, or go on break.

It is such an honor to be able to be a part of helping them grow, to know that these beautiful boys have been entrusted to us by GOD. We know that it does not matter what happens or how the boys progress, we will be there for them and be over-joyed by whatever progress they make.

From a mother's heart - keep moving forward, just remember that it's ok to move sideways or even backwards too, as long as you do it together.