Early On

Oliver is now 20 months. We have had our first couple visits with Early Intervention. One with Lisa the developmental specialist and another with Jean the speech therapist. We also met with another speech therapist to try to set up more frequent visits.

Thus far Oliver is still not speaking, but has begun to use his vocal chords much more. He is shouting and screaming a lot. He seems to be (to me-Brett) a bit more active too. He's not able to be still for too long. This has made the games Chase and Hide-n-go Seek more fun.

We've been told to find things he enjoys and to try to play with him in hopes that he will involve us more. When Early Intervention come he does a pretty good job. He will stay and play with some of the new toys for quite a while. Whether it's new people being over or new toys that keep his attention so long we're not sure, because when they're not around it is more difficult to play with him. He throws more fits when it is just Ciara and I playing with him. He is still banging his head and hitting himself when he's upset. Through all this, here are some of his recent successes:

1. Came in from playing outside and tried to grab my arm to pull me outside with him.
2. Does not ALWAYS have a fit when we tell him 'no'. (Although it still happens a lot)
3. Waved goodbye when leaving Ciara's parents house the last 2 times. Still not consistent.
4. Before knocking over blocks I had stacked he made eye contact with me and smiled.