Say my name, say my name

Today a little boy called my name for the first time, this was a big deal because he's never called anyone by their name before, this is a big deal because before this week he never talked independently before, he only repeated. He would mimics anything you said but never use those words himself, it was as if the sounds had no meaning and his face was always expressionless, even with his parents. He would just tare with his huge, emotionless big brown eyes.

I decided, (after referring to the wonderful Dr Tanya Byron) that the kid needed a lot of love and this needed to be shown him through cuddles and exaggerated facial expesions. He could copy any word but never showed any understanding in his face or actions. It was as if, by doing this it unlocked a door and we realised just how much he knows and how great he is.

Today he called my name and it was huge, he looks up when I call his, he does what I tell him to do, he pays games and has a sense of humour. Now he chatters away to himself, not much of it makes sense but it is a big step forward from only mimicking. He can tell me he is cold or messy. He has the greatest laugh and thinks I'm funny and he gives the best cuddle and likes to cuddle me lots.

Yesterday he counted to 6 all by himself, today he did it for his parents and they were really surprised. It's been so exciting to see.

Some of the others have been making huge progress, overcoming things recently, it's so exciting.

Today when he said my name he calls
a-me
another boy always calls me namie
and one mamie
one of the girls always calls me Em even though she can say amie
and one just calls me mie.