It´s been two weeks since the last day of therapy in CTA before the summer break. What a journey it has been, what a journey this is!

Matthew will continue one-on-one therapy in CTA from September and he will also start with group therapy - thanks to your donations. He will attend his first speech therapy session in two days.

We were rather busy in June. Matt went through several examinations and screenings visiting neurologist, psychologist, pediatrician, and also SPC Chotouňská (Speciálně-pedagogické centrum - Special pedagogical centre) in Prague for special needs assessment and counselling. We also scheduled a comprehensive psychiatric assessment at pedopsychiatrist and a speech therapy. The visits at different specialists seem to be never ending, but it makes me grateful, that a) the health care is covered by insurance b) we have the resources and possibilities.

Matt enjoys the summer, he loves running, no matter how hot it is outside and he enjoys playing in his pool on the balcony. He has progressed over past two months enormously. Does he speak yet? No. But he starts using non-verbal communication - pictograms (slowly!), and other means, like signs I teach him. He can finally communicate "yes" by nodding his head (well, more by placing one´s hand on his own head and nodding), but it will do for now.

He also suddenly started showing interest in our dog (Gizmo) and the cat (Maty). He rarely touches them, in fact, not so long ago he would completely ignore them, but now, he stares at both of them and slowly touches their hair... Makes me ecstatic!

What else?

We are happy, if anyone wonders, it is surely tough at times, but Matt is such a joy, he smiles most of the time. His favourite interactive game with me is climbing on top of me and making me raw like a lion. He laughs so much when I do that and he pushes my chin to repeat. Just imagine, what a simple thing to do, yet it makes him so happy. It seems like every day there are moments of celebration and it makes me appreciate everything.

Oh yes, I bought Matt a tablet. There is definitely something about autistic kiddos and tablets, he loves it, he can work different apps better than his grandma! Strange how children on spectrum cannot do certain things, but in others they excel. I downloaded some educational games for him, but if anyone has good tips for some fun engaging learning apps for autistic children for android, let us hear them!

Thanks everyone for reading and participating.

Love from Prague

PS: Bought this book, it is awesome(self-care for children with autism spectrum disorder)