Hi Bette —
I just wanted to check in and let you know that we feel like we’re seeing real progress with Samantha. We’re approaching two weeks into the program, and the biggest thing I notice is that she is calmer at the end of the school day. We can walk calmly and easily to the car, carrying on a conversation the whole way. (Contrast that with: shouting, kicking, pulling, jumping, darting, fighting with her sister, etc.) Even our two older girls are [grudgingly :-)] acknowledging that they are starting to see the calmer, more easy- going Samantha emerging. Our 12-year old, who goes to the same school, says they happened to be on the playground at the same time last week, and Samantha nicely introduced Claire to her friends and let Claire carry her on her back. A pleasant time, reportedly, was had by all.
The other environment where I see her calmness and togetherness beginning to emerge is in public places. Her typical had been to jump, run, twist, yell, touch, body slam, etc., when we were in the grocery store, Target, church, etc. She is calmer and smoother going through those places — chatting, walking, accepting “no” or “later” without backtalk, etc. I can feel my own stress unwinding as a result. How much we carry on our own shoulders, rightly or wrongly!
We still have a long way to go, mind you, but we are very encouraged by her progress. She is engaging well with her exercises, and it’s turned into a whole family thing, which is a nice side effect. She particularly likes belly crawling and the homolateral self-patterning exercises. Her favorite one of all is the arm pressure exercise where we work up and down her arms. It’s a great end of the day treat, and has resulted in a mellow, peaceful bedtime routine.
So, there you have it. It is a joy to be walking this path with her. I caught myself jotting “miracle in slow motion” in the margins of some work notes the other day. I really think that’s what we’re in the midst of.
All the best,
P B (original letter on file)
United States