Crushing Reading Goals
It is hard to believe that when Payton started out nonverbal, she was using a device plus sign language to communicate with us. In the beginning most of Payton’s behavioral issues stemmed from her inability to communicate her wants and needs with us. Obviously, it was frustrating from her point of view; but it was also draining us. We just wanted to help our little girl and couldn’t. Yelling, crying, and acting out were all side effects of her inability to communicate with us. It affected every aspect of our lives. It was tough; but don’t start the pity party just yet.
Once we got her communication device, we programmed family and friend pictures into it; so, she could let us know who she wanted to communicate with. It also allowed us to help her learn who everyone was. She’d click on a picture and it’d tell her their name and title. The creepy little computer voice would say for example, “Grandpa Jim” when she clicked his picture. Then we moved on to pictures of classmates. This we had to get permission from parents first, but everyone was very accommodating.
Fast forward 1 to 1.5 years and Payton is speaking in full sentences. “Come on guys, I want to go to gym.” This is a quote that to this day is still on our white board. It was really the first full sentence we heard of her saying. Axis let us know when she said it; and it’s been on our white board ever since as a reminder of how far she’s come; and how capable she is to meet her goals. It seems so long ago; but in actuality it was really only about a year and a half ago.
She still struggles sometimes to let us know why she’s feeling the way she is. If she’s sad, mad, or angry, she really has to calm and focus to let us know what the issues is; but she can let us know, and for that we’re forever grateful. The outburst are coming much fewer and further between plus the duration is much shorter.
Just recently I was able to experience Payton reading a book to me. Yes! A Book! Originally her teachers had sent us videos of her reading, and it warmed our hearts to see; but her doing it in person is so much more powerful. Her reading teacher at school has made her books to have at our house. She is clearly in Payton’s corner. Payton will read them to us; but still much prefers for us to read to her. Can’t blame the poor girl. She’ll do 8 hours of school and then turn around and do another couple hours at Axis. She works so hard that we don’t push her too hard at home; but rather allow her to be a kid.
We’ve came from wondering if she’d ever really be able to express herself to wondering at what point she’ll start reading chapter books. We decided on this topic just recently; because Payton hit another goal in reading. We’re so proud of her and the hard work she’s putting in; and we’re ever so grateful for the teachers that are going above and beyond to help her at school. Keep crushing it P! We love you!
