I took two of my more difficult and aggressive kids on what I like to call a "Drive-By Outing" today.
Really, we load up the van and go through the drive-through at McDonald's for a Happy Meal, or like today, an ice cream sundae. We talked about the cars, the busses, the trucks, the bulldozers, the dogs, everything along the way, but what really got them excited was whenever we mentioned those two magic words, "ice cream." One got strawberry (I think that's what he wanted) and the other most definitely and emphatically wanted HOT FUDGE!! (my kind of kid) A good outing was had by all.After a day like yesterday and week like this week, it was nice to end on a sugary sweet note.
One of the higher functioning teens I've worked with for the last 3 months moved to a different unit last night. It was the right move and he will undoubtedly grow and mature there more than he ever could have where he had been.
I saw him today with his new peers, and got a lump in my throat. Just surrounded by these new boys in his new environment, he looked so much more mature, like the teenager he is. I wanted so much to sit and talk to him and ask him how things were going, but it wasn't the right place or time. I waved as I walked out the door and had to blink back tears. Is that what it's like to watch a child grow up?
Tonight I found sticky jellybeans I'd been carrying around as edible reinforcers. Some nights it's Lite Bright pegs. Other nights it's broken crayons, peeled paint, puzzle pieces, dice, laminated pictures for my picture schedules. My pockets are like those mystery grab bags you get at the fair, only much stickier.
It's been a busy week in my autism world! We went to the fair on Monday and I learned so much. A few of the kids won ribbons in the art contest and they were so excited! I also learned that sheep are soft, camels eat funny, and big slides and rides that make you feel sick are awesome.
I took two of my more difficult and aggressive kids on what I like to call a "Drive-By Outing" today. 
