Ryan's first Occupational Therapy Appointment

I learned a lot today about Ryan and how to help him in his struggles. :) We have started 6-8 times a day "brushing", which is basically brushing the skin and contracting his joints to help him deal with the sensations that he feels when he is touched. We started a conversation about what are "big problems (an earthquake, a fire, someone going to the hospital) and little problems (your brother taking your toy, something on your plate that you don't like, etc...)" The Plan is to help him see that not every "crisis (as he sees it)" is a "Big Problem". Eventually, we will help him start rating his problems on a scale much like the pain scale you see in the hospital. This is already making a difference--even tonight I noticed him using the "this is just a little problem" phrase to his sister. :) I am amazed at the fact that such simple things can make such an impact in his life. All of this is good and I feel blessed that we found out when we did and are going to make some significant improvements before he starts Kindergarten. Much work ahead! But all for the good!