Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The sister and the brother



4 comments:

Mel H. said...

They are so adorable...I love your photographs! The second one seems to grow up so much faster than the first, don't you think?

Spirit of Adoption said...

ahhhh! Love the one of them in the crib together ; )

Mel H. said...

Mel, Cole has a severe speech problem, which is an early indicator. He didn't say more than 5 words before he was two years old. He also would not make eye contact when you spoke to him or were trying to show him how to say something, often ignoring your presence or not acknowledging that you spoke to him. He has always been extremely skilled at puzzles well beyond his age ( can do a 50 piece by himself and has been able to since he was 2). He mimicks people, cartoons, characters, but rarely has his own speech patterns or thoughts. When asked a question, he doesn't respond with an answer, he either repeats your tone of voice and question or just does the action without responding. As an example, you ask if he wants something to drink, instead of a yes or no, he'll say, "somthing to drink?" and then walk to the fridge and open it. He has an advance knowledge of letters, numbers, colors, shapes, but will not recall them when asked to, he'll only point them out in an everyday situation, such as on a sign or TV. He doesn't respond well in social situations with other children. One-on-one with others is fine, groups make him hyperactive, uncontrollable, or extremely aloof and he will not participate in a group activity when directed, like singing or dancing. He rarely engages another child to play with him and is totally content to play on his own. These are just a few of the things that we have picked up on, not realizing that these were unusual behaviors and indicators of autism.

Courtney said...

Happy 1-day late birthday to ya! I wanted to get online yesterday and say that but my mom's day was packed. And, of course, Happy Mom's Day as well :) I hope it was so special and just perfect. Luv ya...