My new apron

November 17, 2007 Julie (little Cotton Rabbits)27 Comments

As I've mentioned previously my son is severely autistic. He's not yet developed any speech at all and has never uttered a recognisable word although he merrily babbles with lots of consonant sounds. How then can he wander over to me and purposefully ask for some chocolate buttons and a maisy video?

Well it's all down to the magic of PECS (the picture exchange communication system). I have talked about it here before so I'm not going to repeat myself but I will say again that PECs has transformed life for our family and given my little boy a 'voice'. For some time now I have been meaning to put in some intensive time to try and develop Toby's use of PECs further. At the moment he uses it confidently to request food, toys, videos and favourite places like the park but I am hoping that one day he will be able to comment on things he sees, hears and thinks and that we may be able to have more of a 2 way conversation.

So you're probably thinking "what has all this got to do with aprons?" Well, let me introduce my new secret weapon…

Lovingly handcrafted from beautiful fabrics and made especially for me by the wonderful Carolyn at Laughing Duck it has 2 perfect pockets for storing PECs cards and strips. When I'm wearing this I have all of the symbols that I need readily available so I can show Toby the symbol for 'wait' while saying it, the symbol for 'plane' when he glances up to look at one passing overhead and generally begin expanding his vocabulary and teaching him by example that he can use symbols to communicate rather than just for requesting things.

It will take time and lots of work to get him there but, as we have no reason to believe that he will ever learn to speak, using PECs is the best way to equip him with the ability to communicate with others. He's been a real star to achieve what he has already with it so I've no doubt we'll get there in the end and Carolyn's gorgeous apron is going to make getting there a lot easier and more fun! Thanks Carolyn!

crafts & knitting

Davy for Rose

November 16, 2007 Julie (little Cotton Rabbits)12 Comments

Just look at this wonderful little chap Davy and his oh-so-cute pet snail Slow who is being auctioned off at ManOmine to raise money for Rose Willcocks. He comes with snacks and a selection of hats and is just the sweetest little bear. He could be yours if you get a bid in there quickly and then you’d have one less christmas present to worry about (if you can bear to give him away and not keep him all to yourself! hee hee)

general stuff

A solution to the problem of grated cheese

November 15, 2007 Julie (little Cotton Rabbits)9 Comments

You may remember that I was having a moan recently about Toby’s liking for finely grated cheese and how I was wishing for a mouse to keep the carpets clean. Well, look what arrived in the post!

The most perfect little chap for the job!

He’s already had a snuffle around and snacked on a couple of stray cheerios, some cake crumbs and of course copious quantities of grated cheese. He’s worth his weight in gold AND he came bearing gifts of chocolate, biscuits and wool.

Martine you are very sweet – I love Cheddar (as Amy has named the mouse) and the goodies are much appreciated – thanks so much X

Thanks too to everyone who voted for me in the softie awards. It was great to be nominated and although my puds didn’t win they’re not too sad to have lost to such a cute gingerbread baby!