Was that a conversation? I think so!

Recently, I've had a hard time explaining Brycen's verbal output.  While he is considered "non-verbal", he is able to say quite a few words & some phrases.  Most don't have all of the sounds, but those who are around him a lot can understand quite a bit of what he says including us, his teachers/associates, & some of our family.  With that said, Brycen is FAR from being able to converse.  Most of our questions to him require indirect (or direct) prompts to get a simple answer.

So that is why I am ecstatic to share what I consider a conversation we had tonight!  So much was "right" with what happened tonight & just shows us how far Brycen has come in the last couple years.

Brycen LOVES bath nights!  He has a routine to how he sets up his toys, the fact we can't start the water until after they are set up, he wants to watch his toys fall over/start to float, wants his identification bracelet off, and THEN he will get into the bathtub.  First is his hair, then his body, lastly is his favorite...play time!  Before bath-time is over, we also do a lot of warning by counting down minutes to him of how much time he has left.  This helps him tremendously with transitioning!  Typically we will do the countdown ourselves, but tonight I decided to turn the tables to see how much he could do on his own.

All clean after bath time!

This is how tonight's bath-time went after our initial routine and a few minutes of play time...

Mommy- "How many minutes, Brycen?"
Brycen, looking at his hands and slowly holding up fingers- "Four more minutes" (word approximations but definitely clearer than even just a couple months ago!)

Mommy, a couple minutes later- "How many minutes left, Brycen?"
Brycen, immediately responding- "Two more minutes."

Mommy leaves the bathroom to go down the hallway.

Brycen, yelling- "Mommy, mommy, mommy!"
Mommy, coming back to the bathroom, surprised that he was seeking me out- "What is wrong?"
Brycen, pointing to the drain stopper- "Brokeeeee"
Mommy fixed the drain- "I fixed it."
Brycen- "Fix it.  More water."
Mommy- "How many more minutes?"
Brycen, pausing for a few seconds & holding up a finger- "One more minute."
Mommy- "Yes, so you don't need more water for one more minute."
Brycen, agreeing & going back to playing- "Yes"


There is so much right with the interaction we had tonight!  First, he was verbalizing with no problems and very little hesitation.  He was connecting what usually is Mommy/Daddy's part of the routine and taking it over himself.  He was counting it backwards on his own.  He yelled for me when he needed help (this is so very rare for him!).  He seemed to understand why he didn't need more water to replace the water that accidentally went down the drain.  And overall, he was conversing back & forth with me!!  It wasn't just one word or one phrase, it was a continual conversation that took place over a few minutes.  My excitement might not be understood by all, but those who have been in our "shoes" and/or have a non-verbal child will completely understand why this is something to document & share!

I hope we have more to share with you soon about our conversations with him!  All of the progress he has made in just a few months is outstanding & it's so hard to keep up with him at times :)