⚠️ If you've made it to the comments section, here are disclaimers for those who might not have anything more constructive to offer than negative remarks. ⚠️ This is a glimpse into our journey with my nonspeaking autistic son, documenting his progress, and offering insights for anyone who may benefit, learn, or find inspiration. ⚠️ When my son experiences intense emotions, I give him space and wait until he's ready for affection. Our communication and co-regulation approach is well-considered and fits our situation. So this is Part 2. In Part 1, we had an unexpected situation at Peppa Pig World. While Michael did express his frustration and sadness about the situation, he transitioned incredibly well. This progress is largely due to his ongoing development in both receptive and expressive communication abilities, as well as extensive practice. Today, his emotional regulation and ability to adapt to change and be flexible are the results of regular and persistent exposure to various situations. Without these real-life opportunities to practice, his skills would remain theoretical and confined to controlled environments. These consistent exposures have been crucial in helping him function as well as he does today, enabling him to handle real-world challenges with increasing confidence and resilience. Also, his ability to verbally express himself in ASL during emotional moments marks a crucial step forward in his communication skills and emotional regulation. This development enables him to navigate transitions with greater ease and confidence. It is a significant improvement from his previous tendency to resort to silent cries, withdrawing, and shutting down, followed by apologizing for things that he has no control or fault in. 👑 The Full Mini-vlogs on our education, therapy and lifestyle approach on the Instagram Subscribers’ Page 👑 📔eBook on Joint Attention & collection of activities, link in BIO 🔗 📌This progress highlights the importance of effective communication in managing emotions and building resilience. By using ASL to articulate his feelings, Michael can now express his needs and frustrations more clearly, reducing the emotional burden he previously carried. This ability not only helps him feel more understood and supported but also fosters a sense of empowerment and self-advocacy, allowing him to engage more fully and confidently in various situations. This development did not happen overnight, nor is it simply a result of his situation. To suggest otherwise diminishes all the hard work and effort he has put in over the last four years to get to where he is today. Each step forward and every milestone reached reflect countless moments of perseverance, learning, and overcoming setbacks. His progress is a testament to his resilience and determination, highlighting the significant strides he has made despite the challenges. This journey has been filled with both achievements and obstacles, demonstrating the relentless effort and dedication required to reach his current level of communication and emotional regulation. #heartwarming #parenting #autism #ASL #signlanguage #nonspeaking #nonverbal #autismawareness #autismjourney #neurodivergent #parentingtips #representationmatters #cute #handsome #toddlermom #autismadvocate #autismparenting #parentingautism #communication #inspiration #motivation