"Reading"

Okay, well I know Jack isn't technically reading -- but his symbol recognition is really coming out! He names packages of food by the logos especially cereal.

This morning I was driving him to an appointment and we were going about 25 mph past walmart. You can't see the parking lot or the building, just the sign and he said "Store...balloon!" In fact we've always called it the balloon store because he gets one of those smiley balloons nearly every trip!

He also knows McDonald's (he'll start to sing old Mcdonald had a farm, and then ask for fries and soda!).

This is HUGE because symbols and abstract pictures are a huge part of using a communication device or picture schedule like PECS. If you would have asked me even a month ago if Jack could recognize symbols I would have laughed you out of town and said "no, we must use real photographs."

This is simply a huge milestone and I can't wait to start cutting out more logos!!!

Jack had his best day in a long time yesterday.  The school sent a glowing report on how he did during class -- science was his favorite subject, and he walked all over the school indoors and outdoors with his walker during PT.  He was happy and attentive and it continued into the evening as well.  He didn't cry or meltdown once.  It was the old Jack Riley!  I pray it stays or at least continues in this direction!