#30facesofautism 2019 - Day 3

Day 3 – Last year I told you all how NO was Baby Girl’s go to word, for years – even when she didn’t really mean it. Over time it decreased in usage and even, when appropriate, transformed into being said politely.  Then one day it just disappeared.  That is so exciting, right? Wrong!  You want to know what it was replaced with? Before we go there I want you to scroll up for a hot minute and look lovingly into that beautiful little angel baby face with those big eyes, long lashes and bright smile – go on, I’ll wait for you……………………… super cute right??? Now imagine having that precious little thing growling at you – like a dog. G.R.O.W.L.I.N.G. People.  Growling is the new NO around here.  It usually only happens when there is a directive about the activity she is engaged in or needs to be engaged in or needs to stop being engaged in. Ugh.  Absolutely a direct result of frustration on her part which leads to the growling which leads to frustration on the adult’s part. Lack of adequate language, routines, inappropriate responses and atypical behaviors are all part of the package.  Luckily, if you could ever count a time when your child communicates with you in canine as lucky, it is not as frequent as NO used to be nor is it done with true anger and aggression.  There is no intent to be disrespectful – she doesn’t really even know what that is. I mean I guess just yesterday I did say some days she IS a puppy, but geez.  So for now we are here trying to figure out how to “retrain” ours.  Sure does make it easier that she’s so cute! #30facesofautism