After a very upsetting day at the playgroup at the special school in which the too loud music was just too much for Elizabeth’s sensitive ears, I decided to take her to the playgroup at the local church. I use to take Elizabeth there up until her diagnoses at age two. I don’t know why I stopped going, perhaps everything else just got in the way. But I remembered the lovely, elderly lady who took the group and all the wonderful toys and activities she put on for the children. Not knowing how Elizabeth would react nine months later, I took my mother along for moral support.
I made sure we were the first ones there so Elizabeth could get used to her new surrounds. At first she was hesitant and a few times she put her arms up to be cuddled with that all to well known desperate look in her eyes. I was a little apprehensive at this stage, as I really wanted Elizabeth to have a good time. Spotting a large plastic, crocodile I settled Elizabeth onto it and showed her how to rock it. This seemed to distract her for a while so I could greet the other mothers.
The more children that arrived, the more Elizabeth settled in, especially when she realised that Nan and Mum weren’t going to force her to do any of the craft activities. Although she didn’t play with any of the children she watched them intently, her eyes following everything that they were doing. After a while she would check out a toy or chill out in the little cubby they had set up. She even had a couple of goes on the slippery slide (although it was not as fun as the one at the park). When morning tea came she sat with the other children, devouring her plate before watching what the other kids were eating. She even stole a biscuit or two (only nine months ago she did not know how to chew). She did not get off her chair until most of the other children had finished eating and then she allowed Mum to wash her hands. I was beaming with happiness at this stage.
After morning tea it was bubble time. Elizabeth and a little boy were the only two who were interested in the bubbles. In fits of giggles they crashed into each other while they chased bubbles about the yard. In that moment she looked like any normal, happy two year-old. After this she even got the courage to go up to each child and greet them with a little hand flap. Although one child did gently push her away and tell her that it was now tidy up time.
I made sure we were the first ones there so Elizabeth could get used to her new surrounds. At first she was hesitant and a few times she put her arms up to be cuddled with that all to well known desperate look in her eyes. I was a little apprehensive at this stage, as I really wanted Elizabeth to have a good time. Spotting a large plastic, crocodile I settled Elizabeth onto it and showed her how to rock it. This seemed to distract her for a while so I could greet the other mothers.
The more children that arrived, the more Elizabeth settled in, especially when she realised that Nan and Mum weren’t going to force her to do any of the craft activities. Although she didn’t play with any of the children she watched them intently, her eyes following everything that they were doing. After a while she would check out a toy or chill out in the little cubby they had set up. She even had a couple of goes on the slippery slide (although it was not as fun as the one at the park). When morning tea came she sat with the other children, devouring her plate before watching what the other kids were eating. She even stole a biscuit or two (only nine months ago she did not know how to chew). She did not get off her chair until most of the other children had finished eating and then she allowed Mum to wash her hands. I was beaming with happiness at this stage.
After morning tea it was bubble time. Elizabeth and a little boy were the only two who were interested in the bubbles. In fits of giggles they crashed into each other while they chased bubbles about the yard. In that moment she looked like any normal, happy two year-old. After this she even got the courage to go up to each child and greet them with a little hand flap. Although one child did gently push her away and tell her that it was now tidy up time.
But it was music time that had me filled with pride. Elizabeth was the only child who paid attention to Aileen as she did renditions of Five Little Ducks, Heads and Knees, and many others. The other children were two busy fighting over their instruments or bashing their maracas together under a table (for which they got a stern warning). And when Aileen put on a Wiggles tape Elizabeth was the only child who got up and danced. Despite the chaos around her I was blown-away by Elizabeth’s level of concentration, but I guess that is one of her autistic characteristics.
Although Elizabeth is, in many recepts, quite different to many children her age, she has so many amazing qualities as well. I was so proud of her today. She is growing up to be such a gentle natured, delightful child. I’m actually beginning to look forward to tomorrow.
Although Elizabeth is, in many recepts, quite different to many children her age, she has so many amazing qualities as well. I was so proud of her today. She is growing up to be such a gentle natured, delightful child. I’m actually beginning to look forward to tomorrow.
1 comment:
What lovely photographs Skye, you both look gorgeous together. It's tremendously interesting to read the details of your journey together. I began thinking of the story you wrote ages ago, about her birth. Strange have things progress the right way in the end. Thanks for the nice comments about my latest epic. I fear it's a little preachy, there was much true detail to pack in, as well as my own memories of the Wickham Park fiasco. Anyway I await further instalments of your life with Elizabeth. She is really beautiful (like her Mum) regards Barbara
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