Mom Is sniffly about losing Katie and Scott. They were pretty cool, well, ok, I guess they were really cool when all is said and done. When Kessler left, we didn't know if we'd EVER find another good helper in this world, but thanks to Dr. Heflin, who Mom calls 'The Autism Professor Angel who Sends us Amazing Help' and the Lunds, who are simply the best Behavioral Therapy Group in Town...we got Scott and Katie for awhile...Katie came, and mom was nervous because the therapist before her had worn heels to try to teach me, and mom felt like anyone in heels and make-up wasn't really ready for me, and she must have been right, because this very nice lady in high heels made her getaway within about 6 months. She prefers babies, mom says, and ones who don't want to jump, run, and be big.
So Mom told the Lunds, yes, we need another therapist, but for God's sake, find one that wears tennis shoes to work, ok? And here came Katie. A complete natural. Tennis shoes, energy, and smarts! I loved her from the start, and so did Mom. Mom said, anybody who can get you to transition easily, jump with you, and keep your voice speaking is a good therapist. She said, anyone who knows that there is much, much more to this than just getting me to do what you say...that people who can bring out my intrinsic motivation, no matter how weird it may be...people who get me to come to them...well. Katie was it. And she specialized in getting me to play with other kids, which I simply do not like to do. But she found so many ways....But, as mom says, all good therapists come and go, and so will Katie. And after a year or so, she did. A divorce, a move, a new business, a new life....that's ok, Mom says, she did a really wonderful job.
And SCOTT!! This guy showed up with very red hair and a lot of energy. And he knew right away that we were going to have a blast. And we did. And wow! Scott and I did way more than just communciate with words (which is totally overrated, according to Mom)!! We rode bikes! We swam! We ran, we jumped, we climbed!! Scott met Katie, and she got him an extra job! Mom says she thinks they should go into business together.
But Katie moved on this month. And Scott's moving on after Friday....and Mom is on the computer again with Dr. Heflin, saying, do you have any really, really nice Master's students who would like some experience working with a really cool kid with autism? We can train them in Floortime, we can get some ABA training...you know, like every other therapist we've had, we'll probably end up getting him a really nice job....because the thing about students therapists is.....well they move on. Hey, we all need health insurance right?
But while they are here...they have energy, they can play, they learn, they listen, they teach, and Tommy loves them. And no therapist who ever worked with him leaves untouched by his bright spirit. It shows each and every person who comes that.....language is not just words...emotion is palpable....I am here and I SEE YOU, I hear you, and I'm glad. There is more to me than meets the ear. I am Tommy, and I will remember you. I have a really, really good memory.
Love,
Tommy
