KAP Update

There's some exciting news on the KAP front that I want to share!

This is an issue that I haven't touched on here before just because I don't want to ever post anything about Matthew that I feel like he wouldn't want me to share. However, this is a topic that is quite a challenge for some children with autism and their families. SO...for you to understand the struggle and appreciate it, I feel compelled to share with you. Plus, I find today's bit of info just awesome, so I'm going to go ahead and share it.

Potty training. There, I said it. Have you ever given thought as to how you would potty train a child who is rather lacking in communication skills? Well, that is definitely something that I have pondered numerous times. I have tried the whole take him ever few minutes deal, and let me tell you...that practically drove me crazy!! And, it accomplished pretty much zilch! Sure, he might go once out of the zillion times I take him, but is he actually learning anything from the situation? It is actually easier to get him to do #2 on the potty because you just watch for the warning signs and rush him in! They were actually successful with this at school several times this past year. Not like the other day at home, when I knew he had to go, took him and he ended up sitting there for almost an hour doing nothing put #1 and spitting continuously. Jason showed him how to spit in the potty when he was LITTLE and he ain't forgot it! Why can't using the pot for it's actual use stick so easily?! Anyway...when I randomly take Matthew to the potty, he will not even stand up for the most part. He becomes a limber dishrag and tries to fall over. We've had a few successes before, but nothing patterned. So...that leads us to today's conversation...

When I went inside at KAP today, the director and a couple of the staff greeted me and Dr. Boman said I was just who she needed to talk to. She was wanting to discuss Matthew going potty. She wants him to stand, like all little boys are taught, when he goes #1. YES! She said taking him and sitting him on the potty was one of those hidden curriculums that those in special education were taught about, which simply means you are teaching a child something without even realizing it. She said, her goal was for Matthew to learn to stand and go potty like any other little guy would, because guys were meant to stand to whiz :o) SO...she is going to talk to the engineering department there at Western and see if they can help her design and build a contraption that will be placed in front of the toilet that Matthew will be strapped into and will be sturdy enough to hold him up to keep him from playing in the potty, while being lightweight enough to be easily moved since it will have to be moved back and forth in front of the toilet. WHAT?! Does that not sound awesome?! And not only will he have this contraption at KAP, but one at home and school as well!!!!! They are really going to work hard on this, and I could see a determination about them that I know they are going to do their best! They were all so confident and so reassuring that it will happen! Aaahhh...the wonder of collaboration!!! I am so excited to see how this all pans out! Just imagine, my Matthew going potty like any other fella!! It's great to see that those at KAP think it is possible! Oh but the patience it will require!!! ...patience, patience, patience, patience!!!!

Today was only the first day of the semester, and already they are looking at taking on such a huge task! It's wonderful!!!!!

As a side note...I do believe that it's possible for Matthew to become trained. It will take a LOT of hard work on a lot of people's behaves, but it can happen. However, if this does not work, I will NOT be disappointed in my son because of it!!