Izzys initial ABA therapist left suddenly a few weeks ago. We were nervous and unsure. But Jane assured us it would be fine. And wow-Jane was right.

We have had two and a half weeks of stellar drop offs, good days at the center and pick ups full of laughter and love between her and her therapists. Nights where she talks to us or gives ideas on what we should do or watch. I see more smiles and hear more laughter than I did. And I see her and her daddy conversing. We get hugs, and so do others in her inner circle. On days when she has to go back to the office with me for a meeting or late scheduled patients, she talks to my coworkers (usually without eye contact and usually very softly…but she talks!).

They are pushing independence. “Why does mom pack your bag, carry your bag, put your shoes on you, you need to do those things.”

“I don’t ask her to do those things, she just does them.”

“Then tell her you can do it and then do it.”

And It comes back to my session with Brad where we discussed me being the helper, not the doer. So I try to step back and encourage her instead of doing things myself and I see her trying to do those things.

They are making her state need. Instead of shutting down and grunting, we say “I can help you if you can tell me what you need.” And I see her trying to do that. Many times stating need before I have to ask.

And down the road in her program… working on moving back to her own bedroom to sleep.

Once again, in moments of doubt, God shows me AGAIN that we’re doing the right thing for Iz. Stay the course…