Realizations

I realized several months ago that some of the behavioral problems Sammy had were manifestations of boredom, attention seeking, and wanting to escape the given situation.  I knew that Sammy's behavior out of school (Sam attends the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism where he has a very structured and therapeutic education and they have almost no behavior problems with him except some rigidity) was that at home, at the park, at the store or in general with me (or Gary or Joyce).  As he became stronger, faster and more agile we got to the point were we never took Sam anywhere unless the following requirements were met:  the place had to be enclosed, if outside it had to be fenced in.  If we were going to a doctor's appointment or store, two people had to go.  We had to take a camping potty because Sam refuses to use public bathrooms.  It got to a point where Sammy's only activities were school, doctor's appointments and backyard play.  We did take Sammy to the local Euclid pool almost daily this summer, but it was still a headache every time.  Sammy was not appropriate with the other children.  He would hit or bite other children which required an immediate "go home" after any biting or hitting.  He would run off into the lifeguards office (If there is place that is off limits, Sam will find it) and have a meltdown during the allotted hourly pool break.  And every time it was time to go home it was a wrestling match to get him in his car seat. 

So here we were before Bubbles came, Sam would come home from school, go to his backyard and play by himself for hours.  But hey, he was happy and, mostly, out of trouble (until he starting eating sand and dirt).  I remember telling Gary that we had to do something, that although it was so much easier for us, that Sammy was getting more and more isolated and slipping into his autistic world.

So as of lately our lives are a little upside down as we have been taking Sammy to some outing almost daily.  Sunday morning we took him to the park and it was just so much easier.  Bubbles just kind of followed him wherever he went.  He did not try to run off and it was easier getting him back in the car when it was time to go.  He still resisted, but it was not a wrestling match.  In fact, it has not been a wrestling match at all when Bubbles goes with us, just a little bit of protest and some pulling as we walk to the car, but no kicking, hitting, or squirming out of the seat.

Sunday afternoon Sammy and I took Bubbles to her old home where she got to play with some old friends for a DIP (Drop In Play).  Something new I have learned is that dogs need to play and interact with other dogs to be properly and holistically socialized, (I've been having a lot of ah-ha moments lately.)  Some amazing things happened on this outing.  First, Sammy had no fear or anxiety and played on the playground and in the yard with several dogs off leash playing and barking around him.  Second, we got to see first hand and Rachel Friedman, owner of A Better Pet, LLC, dog and people trainer expert, got some great video how the bond has developed between Bubbles and Sam. 

Lastly, Monday evening, Gary, Joyce, Sammy, Bubbles and I went to our group dog training class given by Rachel Friedman.  Sam had a great time and several great moments happened again.  First, Sammy got to see his beloved Sophie (I write about Sammy's connection with Sophie here) again, and I have no idea how, but Sophie got Sam to sit with her for at least thirty minutes while I was learning how to work with Bubbles.  Second, Sammy played basketball in the gym where we were training, with several dogs off leash during dog play, without fear or anxiety.  He even approached and pet another dog appropriately. 

Lastly, but not least.  Gary was able to take Sammy and USE A PUBLIC BATHROOM without any hesitation.  This is huge, Sammy has a huge fear of public bathrooms.  And I mean, crawling up my back, heart thumping through his chest, white as a ghost fear.  I'm so thrilled and excited and can't even think of the possibilities to come.


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