Building Blocks

When someone is talking about “the building blocks” of something, they are usually referring to the framework or foundation.  This is an obvious reference to the blocks that children learn to build with.  It’s not just a metaphor for me now, though.  On Thursday, I saw how real building blocks can be the foundation for TL learning to connect.

TL has a set of wooden building blocks that we bought specifically for his ABA therapy.  They are kept in his ABA box and used only during his sessions as “reinforcement” for completing a task.  Well, Thursday he had back-to-back therapy sessions and the materials were left out for the next therapist.  She was running a tad late and I was trying to keep TL from destroying the binder of paperwork they keep in there. 

I offered him different things in the box to play with and he picked the building blocks.  I took them out and instinctually began to build stuff with him.  This was the first time—yes, the first time—TL and I had ever played with the building blocks together.  At first, he didn’t like anything I was making and would knock it down.  Then, I made a “fire truck” from the red blocks.  He loved it!  I started to really get into it and feel like I could play, actually play with my son. 

I was so disappointed when there was a knock on the door and the therapist started her session.  We connected and played so well.  I never wanted it to end.  It is those simple moments that make it all so worthwhile.  All the appointments, reports, schedule changes, and house invasions (AKA in-home therapy)—all worth it, because we connected.

My day was doubly blessed after dinner that night.  The boys pretended they were horses and raced from the dining room to the living room on their hands and knees.  They pretended they were airplanes and ran around the house with their arms out, making plane sounds.  They connected.  They might be 8 years apart and be on the Autistic Spectrum, but they connected.

Those are the building blocks for TL.  He is learning to connect.  He is learning to use his imagination.  He is learning to interact.  He is learning.  He is progressing.  There are definitely setbacks, like Friday’s therapy where he threw items around the room, but he is consistently moving in a forward direction.

What more could I ask for?