Now that it’s summer, outside is the place to be. There is a small group of kids that all live on our street. The girl in the group named them the “Cherry Street kids.” LOVE THAT.
In this photo are all of the boys. On occasion, most likely when they need a bike break, they ask to play with Jasan’s iPad. To my surprise, Jasan was completely unaffected. He didn’t want to play with the iPad at all. He was totally vibing to pacing behind them as they played, with his straw (of course,) and would react to all of the sounds in the different games they were playing.
What I loved about witnessing this is that first of all, he literally has every sound memorized. He knows exactly what is happening in each game without even needing to look. And secondly, he is unaware and unfazed by anyone’s reaction to the fact that he isn’t being “typical.” I think this is completely fantastic. I just said to my mom yesterday that one mantra that I want us to place into his mind is that, “What I choose to do is what makes me feel good. What I choose is wonderful. It is okay and I am glad it’s my choice.”
Jasan is definitely a scripter. He repeats a lot. Here is a definition of Scripting that I pulled off of the Autism Speaks website:
Echolalia, sometimes referred to as “scripting”, is the repetition of words, phrases, intonation, or sounds of the speech of others, sometimes taken from movies, but also sometimes taken from other sources such as favorite books or something someone else has said. Children with ASD often display “scripting” in the process of learning to talk.
As Jasan gets older, his scripting becomes less about “movie lines” and more useful speak. For example, at one point while I was instructing him how to ride his bike, I said, “You can do it! You can do it! Use your leg muscles!” Yesterday, when he felt stuck on his bike, he said that very phrase. It REALLY hit me how important my words are, and how I can use this to COMPLETELY BENEFIT my son. Wouldn’t it be great if our kids had positive beliefs about themselves and had a plethora of uplifting mantras floating through their minds? This is so useful for all children, but I feel that because of Jasan’s autism I can use this to my advantage.
Script away my love! <3 I vow to fill his mind full of positive affirmations, self-confidence, and beautiful beliefs about WHO HE IS. I am so proud to be his mama…
He LOVES his bike!
The Cherry Street kids. PRECIOUS. <3
Love this! My son often displays echolalia. I love your words on enforcing positive messages! I need to do this more!
This is such a happy post. Thank you for sharing!
Thank YOU for reading!!! ?
Scripting is a valuable insight, having worked with people for over 30 years I know how many of our scripts are internalised. What we speak to our children is beyond important. Kia Kaha!
Fantastic! Awesome response coming from someone with so much experience!
As usual, I loved this. You always remind me of such great times with my 2!
My son is a super-scripter, as well. I remember how thrilled I was when he first chirped, “Come on, use your strong muscles!” while climbing into a bunk bed… the memory might make me cry, if I dwell on it. Other things my kids have said, more or less in context: “Sleep well, Mommy loves you;” “Nobody wants to SEE that!” (when flashing their tummies) and “Aww, that’s so sweet, thank you,” (when sharing toys). All in perfect imitation of my voice, which is funny; and doesn’t it make you feel like the best mom ever?
We are raising them right, eh?
–AmandaQuirky
Yes we are! I love that you commented. It’s so great to hear other stories as well. And haha… Same voice intonation absolutely! ??fabulous.
“What I choose to do is what makes me feel good. What I choose is wonderful. It is okay and I am glad it’s my choice.”
What an awesome mantra.
I think so too! ? I believe it will create a beautiful life path for him…
This was so nice to read on a Monday morning when I decidedly do NOT want to be at work 🙂
We have been loving the outdoor fun all summer too.