Autism Awareness Hawaii

Hekili gets up and goes straight to his animal collection. He pretends play with them all the time. That is a huge step for someone with autism.

trying to get back into the photo journal I am doing of Hekili. This is his thing now. He likes to make piles of his things. especially his animals. He uses his hands and feet to scoot them from one location to another.

ok receptive language is often taken for granted. For example ...

3 months ago..
Me: Hekili what would you like to eat for breakfast? Rice with soup or french toast?

Hekili: rice or french toast.

Now with lots of ABA and him learning more.

Me: would you like rice today or french toast?

Hekili: I want rice.

It is amazing when he answers because I know he understands what I asked. Every day is another step. Although he is academically gifted his use of language is behind. I am so proud when he tells me turn it off or put it on. His newest is "I'll hold it".

Take time appreciate every little word or phrase for it is a huge step!!

Here he is with his skills trainer. She is trained in ABA and wonderful!!

well it was more of a preview while mom enrolled Hekili type of deal. His skills trainer Sara went with us and they played while I took care of business. It was nice to see the director there. She used to be Hekili's Gymboree teacher when he was much younger. So her and I discussed a few things that I would love to do to raise awareness in the school. I want to have my Autism Awareness cards readily available. I am also going to be speaking with the staff to give them insight on early detection.

I really want to be a support system for other parents who are taking a new journey through this world of Autism. I want them to know that they are not alone and that even though it is scary there is so much more help out there than what is presented.


I will keep an update on his preschool adventures!!

Proud Mama

His avoiding eye contact transfers even to my camera. He looks at the camera about as often as he makes eye contact with people. It is interesting!!

It is a task to get him to look at the camera. As he avoids eye contact he avoids looking directly at the camera as much as possible. I wonder if he is like me. I get uncomfortable looking people in the eyes when it gets too serious or when I am not comfortable with them. I know he is comfortable with me and his family but the eye contact is , well I don't really know how to explain it. I hope one day he can explain it to me.