PRESCHOOL. Only Preschool.

Kallin's progress has been a big thing I've been sure to keep record of on my blog. And I have a great update for you.

Kallin has advanced OUT of the Autism Classroom. 
{pause for effect, tears start to fall. I think every time I tell someone I cry.}

He is in a Preschool. Not a special preschool (though we do have the very best class I've ever seen, and we love Mrs. Lynn.) it's a regular preschool. He keeps up with the class, he speaks up, he's made friends. He is doing incredible. Very very incredible. He's just an incredible boy.

We've been working so hard for this moment. I look at all the things we've been through, teaching him to talk, teaching him to communicate, teaching him to leave his stimming behaviors behind, and ultimately teaching him all the little things that he didn't grasp right away.
He really jumped right in, both feet. He's always been willing to learn, he's allowed us to work with him, and he's been so patient when I've implement a new system. All that therapy, the floor play, the token charts, the stickers, the treasure boxes, it's all paid off. He's so bright, this whole process he's been so teachable, so READY, he's like a sponge, soaking up all the things we've taught him.

And now, he's right up to the developmental levels that he needs to be. He's made up any gap that once existed.
When I think that we had him tested at 3 years old and he rated an 18 month old level, I'm astounded that he's come so far. He's worked so hard. He's watched his surroundings and learned things by observing others.
He has embraced who he is and he shines! He is still brilliant on computers, he can still read far above his grade level, he's still MY KALLIN. He is exceptional in the ways that he's different, he just now has the tools to succeed, there is nothing there to hold him back.

As for what we'll be working on, he's no more behind on his writing than other boys, but that's the one area (fine motor) that we'll be doing extra for. I'll continue to let him read, and learn to read even better, but that's not a push. He is smart, so very smart. He's so impressive.

I'm so excited for him. The world is his oyster. He's ready. He's so ready. It's crazy.