Work

I take communication for granted.  Not just the content, but being able to form the socially appropriate type of response.  You don't realize how complicated language is until you have to break it down for a kid to understand it.  It becomes more complex when you work with a child with autism.  I now have a greater respect for teachers, classroom aids, and therapists that work with these kids 1:1.  Everything is recorded to the very last minute and there's so much data collection.  The tiniest hint of progress is a big deal and it's such a rewarding experience.  I can understand why parents are so offended when their kids are being dismissed with a prescription, therapy does have lasting effects; however that debate is for another post.

I've learned how to properly teach "manding"; short for demanding, for the simplest things such as opening a door, flipping a page to a book, or asking for a hand to be held.  One of the kids I worked with earned all 12 stars today!  I wanted to do cartwheels.  His reward for the end of the day was a red lollipop and he lit up when he saw how well he did.  You've never seen a kid happier than this kid today. 

I just hope I have more days like this.