Self-awareness and self-advocacy are without a doubt huge components to raising any child, but especially is as important for a child on the spectrum. Knowing what they need and being able to ask for it is a huge leap toward independence. Tonight Caleb moved further toward that independence and self-advocacy during his reevaluation with his psychologist. Using appropriate eye-contact and confident body posture, he was able to effectively convey the progress he has been making with his school work, emotions and behaviors. He carried on fluid conversation with the doctor as they discussed different components to his plan of care including goals his has met and those that he's still working toward. Even the doctor noticed how much more improved his conversation had become and asked Caleb why he thought he was doing better. Caleb wasted no time as he began to share about all of the things that he felt were helping him to improve. He said he was using more coping skills, making healthier options with food and said that he had been seeing "Dr. Jim" who had been helping him to feel better and do better in school. After Caleb had talked for a while, I had the opportunity to share my perspective regarding his progress. When I was finished sharing, he asked what I thought was contributing to such positive changes. I told him I knew exactly what it was and began to share with him. I shared about the neurosensory program, his diet changes and eliminating gluten and dairy, and told the doctor about the improvements he has made in school, at home and in his social skills group. I finished with expressing the desire to have Caleb completely off of medication and his response, while not all that shocking, was disappointing. He looked me in the eye and said, "Well, why would you want to do that?" I said, "Why WOULDN'T we?!" Although Caleb was able to carry the majority of the conversation, I was glad to still be there next to him so that he could hear the explanation of why we are doing what we are doing. He KNOWS it's WORKING. He KNOWS he's making PROGRESS, but to know that it's ok to see things differently than the doctor is important. I want him to advocate for himself based on what is working, not on what is expected or just because it's the well-trodden path. He's learning... WE ALL ARE...
