“I want more monkeys”
A seemingly simple phrase, but one that filled me with joy and hope and seemed to open a door of possibilities.
You see, communication has always been a struggle for my oldest son. He is not nonverbal. In fact, he speaks plenty of individual words and he can easily label something once he is instructed. However, forming sentences and using them appropriately has always been a challenge. Our days often consist of him saying one or two words and us prompting him to use a complete sentence such as “I want ______” or asking him to say “please” when requesting an action such as “read please” (a phrase that is said A LOT in our household).
This week, Brayden’s therapist texted us that he used a full sentence without prompting: “I want more monkeys”! A four word sentence! His therapist was thrilled and they made an announcement at the clinic to all of the other therapists and in front of all of his little friends (which made my heart melt).
I feel hopeful.
Today, it is a sentence asking to listen to a song about monkeys, but tomorrow it might be two sentences or a paragraph or even a speech. Or, maybe it will be a singular sentence again. Either way, I see a plethora of possibilities in his future.
If you need me, I will be listening to “Five Little Monkeys” over and over again with a huge smile on my face.
Yay I’m so happy for him!! What he doesn’t say with words he always makes up for with big smiles! We love him!
So. Many. Smiles!
Way to go Brayden!,
I don’t think you will ever forget this sentence! The little guy is working so hard and a win is amazing for the whole family. It’s got to be so hard to have to stay on him constantly for his own good, so payoff must feel wonderful. Congratulations Brayden👏👏👏
I don’t think he’s stopped speaking since! It’s made a HUGE difference in his frustration level – which I totally understand.