A surprise on day two and the return of Leesha, the therapy bunny

Superman had a stellar day yesterday! It was quite shocking considering he had a massive meltdown just as we were putting our shoes on to go out the door.

I neglected to update you on "Leesha" the therapy bunny. Superman's energy goes down quite quickly when he's in the presence of animals. This was noticed by the staff and the idea for him to have his own classroom pet was suggested by the Principal. Originally they suggested a hamster, but I didn't think that was such a great idea because A) they're nocturnal and B) they can be nippy. So we graduated up to a guinea pig and off I went to the Animal Rescue Agency. Found a little fellow that would be a good fit but decided to wait another day before purchase. Good thing I did because I found out one of the EA's was deathly allergic to guinea pigs. Good to know! So then we went up in size once again and decided on a rabbit. Since we already have a rabbit, we knew what we were getting into and Superman was comfortable with them. They're bright, affectionate, animated, and lovable. Sweet. This would work. So off I trot the rescue agency once again and I spy and adorable baby girl. It was love at first sight between Superman and Leesha. She started attending school for the remaining 2 months of the year and was a hit with students and staff.

Superman is in a room by himself with his support workers so Leesha gets the run of the room and if the library is empty, she's been known to have the run of that room too. Given that she's litterbox trained, it's easy to do.

Last night I gave Leesha a nail clip so today she was all ready to go back to school! She gets quite excited when we tell her it's "time for school" and she will happily hop in her bunny carrier. She goes each morning, and comes home each day as well. She's a well loved bunny.

Superman was upset she wasn't going yesterday and melted, but he turned the day around completely and staff said he was great! That's such a big step forward compared to the last 2 years.

He also went across the street to the pond with his EA and D, one of his friends in his Aspie class. They were on the hunt for bugs and Superman managed to catch 3 fish (about the size of Tetras) with his net! He's been trying to do this since 2006 so he and D were both quite excited. Usually he catches tadpoles. He also caught a catepillar, a grasshopper, 2 potato bugs, and some sort of large flying bug. And on the way back to the school they saw a snake. Quite an exciting day to say the least!

In other good news, someone did something awesome for Superman yesterday. His Aspie obsession is Mario from Super Mario Bros. He collects anything and everything with Mario on it and everyone who knows him, knows that. Yesterday I picked him up from school and he was wearing a new baseball cap. It was a Mario hat! I was floored! I asked him who it was from and his EA gave me the scoop. Superman has spent a lot of time the last two years walking the halls when his energy gets high and class was in session so he got to know the caretaker, Patrick, quite well. Over the summer Patrick was in Future Shop and spotted the hat. He went and found the manager and told him all about Superman and the manager gave him the hat. He was quite excited to give it to Superman yesterday and now it's his most prized possession.

Our school staff rocks, the whole lot of them

*ding ding ding* School is back in session

After taking a hiatus for nearly a year, I am back in the blogging business! I had to shelve autism for awhile. My advocay, my mentoring, tried shelving the kid but he doesn't stay in one place long enough. ;)

But I'm feeling stronger and ready to jump back in again. We just wrapped up a fabulous summer. Superman earned a swimming badge which was a huge accomplishment because he's been working on it for 4 years. Camp was a great success! It was his first year as a Senior Boy and he got an award for his 4th year attending. He participated in all of the activities with his group, with and without his 1:1 support worker.

We spent 3 weeks at the cottage where Superman tackled Lake Erie and won. He and his sister Ladybug were joined at the hip and have become the best of friends. Although they argue like you wouldn't believe. That was the only downfall to the holiday. I had no idea siblings bicker like this! It's unbelievable. My sister and I are 10 years apart so forgive me, but I don't have much personal experience to draw from! I thought it was going to be the death of me at times!

Since I last blogged, we've had some changes. We've changed Superman's meds and I think we've found a combo that works. Something for anxiety, something for aggression/Tourettes, something for sleep. He seems more settled and comfortable in his own skin. I'm finding he's more adaptable to a variety of situations and able to problem solve more quickly.

He also lost his beloved fish, Mr. Puffy Cheeks. He died a month ago and I have never seen Superman so devastated. He curled up with his head on my lap, not wanting to talk, not wanting to look at anything, think about anything. He was heartbroken and after awhile I just rocked him and we both cried. Mr. Puffy was eventually replaced with "Luke", a blue beta fish who has won Superman over.

Ladybug turned 3 on April 29 and she's quite the little firecracker. Her sun rises and sets on her big brother but she has her own mind and isn't afraid to express it. Her determination will serve her well when she's older. She's a total girly girl. Loves pink, dresses, animals, and has developed a fascination and respect for insects, thanks to Superman.

Today was the first day of school for my little man. I was thrilled to find out that all of the support staff returned which will much easier on all of the boys. I have high hopes for the year. Superman is more together now than he's ever been.