Noting Progress in Communication

My son has therapy at a clinic that incorporates play to help kids learn to build interactive relationships. At the beginning of each session, the child can select from a wide array of toys.

Lately, Kai’s toy of choice has been a set of Electronic Snap Circuits, which teaches kids the basics about electronics.

We have this at home as well, and he obsessed over it when he first got it. The set that both the clinic and we have is the base set, which enables kids to “build over 300 exciting projects.” Kai has been campaigning for a few weeks now to get the “500 project” extension set for his birthday.

But he’s not just campaigning for it at home. He has declared his desires to the clinic as well.

At his last session, he told his therapist that he wanted them to get the extension set, too. His therapist took advantage of his motivation and turned it into an opportunity for Kai to practice his social interaction.

She had Kai write down his wish on paper to organize his thoughts. And then she helped him track down the head of the clinic. And when she introduced him to the boss, he had to voice his thoughts himself.

My wife reported that Kai spoke very clearly and nicely. And after the head of the clinic heard Kai’s pitch, she promised him that the clinic would get the new set.

We were amazed at Kai’s ability to articulate his wishes. I doubt he could have done this a year ago. His communication skills have certainly come a long way.

Of course, now he expects the clinic to have the new set. He doesn’t understand that it might take a little time for the purchase to actually be made.

Hopefully, he can make this much progress with his patience, too.