Parenthood

I've head so many things about the show Parenthood - a drama based on the box-office hit movie that follows a family through their daily lives. Included are characters Christina and Adam Braverman who have a son, Max, that is recently diagnosed with Aspergers. With the arrival of a Roku for Christmas I decided to give it a shot and started with episode one. And I was hooked.

I love this show because I can relate. Watching Christina, Adam and Max was like watching my own life from the outside. Dropping everything for that last minute opening with the overbooked psychologist... color coding my calendar with appointments, therapies, and personal time. Struggling, fighting over things that only an Aspie would fight you on. Avoiding certain activities, rejoicing in small strides, and being your child's biggest advocate. This show has been MY therapy. And I'm excited to catch up and see where this goes!

As for updates on us, Ben started a 'Stepping Stones' therapy at In-Step. It's a social skills group for children ages 4-5. Some of the other children also have a neurobiological disorder, but most are just socially shy or overbearing. It has been nice to talk with other parents and hear things that have worked/not worked for them. And after hearing their struggles I have to think we have it pretty good. Ben is mostly even tempered and has already come such a long way. I'm so thankful that we were able to get him early intervention. Ben continues with services through the county and his resource aid has been excellent at providing ideas to help us at home as well as preschool. I'm currently in the process of setting up charts for morning & evening routines, along with house rules (these are all great for ANY family). It's a little unnerving to cover my walls with brightly colored construction paper but I know its for the best for everyone, especially Ben who operates best on visual aids and positive reinforcement.

AJ continues to be Ben's biggest fan and they play wonderfully together. Thomas also has improved tremendously from his OT and PT - while his diet is limited he is self feeding a variety of table foods. His core strength has improved and we hope to have him walking before his first birthday.

Hope to provide other updates soon! Until then, I'm off to watch episode 28! :-)