Squeeze hugs. That is what Jimmy wanted me to give him. Jane started school yesterday, and Jimmy is feeling the loss. With his Autism, his sensory needs are squeeze hugs, deep rubbing or massage, weighted blanket, and stroking of his hair. I have been attentive to his needs while experiencing the loss.
My first reaction was to ask him to wait a minute while I finished washing, but I stopped what I was doing and dried my hands. I was in the middle of doing dishes, and he indicated that he needed a squeeze hug. I sat down, and I gave him about a three-minute squeeze hug. I finished it with a little back rub and told him to get his blanket.
I have seen advertisements for weighted stuffed animals with long arms that can wrap around a child’s shoulder. I am looking into those to see if they might meet some of his needs. Not to take away from the comfort I can provide.
It has been a big adjustment for him to have Jane in school. He wonders around the house, checking on her bedroom and calling her name. I find it funny that he never really paid much attention to her when she was home. It was just comforting for him to have her around and know she was there as much as if they played together.
Jane had a great first day of school. I was a little worried when I picked her up as her teacher wanted to talk to me and asked if she could call me. I, of course, said yes and quizzed Jane the whole way home to see if she got in trouble at school or if there was a problem. Finally, the teacher called. She was concerned about Jane’s behavior at school. As I listened to the teacher, I was aware that the school psychologist hadn’t talked to her yet, and I talked about her Autism and behaviors. The teacher was very supportive, and I feel that Jane will have a good year.
I am enjoying my time with Jimmy as we have more one-on-one time. I also enjoy getting things done around the house that was harder with two kids. I am deep cleaning Janie’s room and then working on Jimmy’s room.
I have been waiting to hear from Head Start. I guess we are on a waiting list. I hope that he doesn’t get overlooked. I would hate for him to fall behind any more than he already has.
I know I said I was going to post about my Alcoholic days. I am still writing it. I will post it as soon as I have finished it. Please leave a comment and tell me a little about yourselves. Have a good week.