When the twins turned three, they aged out of the state program that provided in-home therapy and began the transfer process to the local school system (where they get peer interaction, group therapy and teacher instruction for three hours every day). It's only been about two months, and you can begin to see changes already. I especially see them in Sawyer.
Two months ago, this picture would have been impossible. When he stopped looking directly at people, he also stopped looking directly at the camera. And that laughter, although it is sometimes completely random, today it was because Aunt Kelly was chasing him and tickling him in the back yard. There was a reason for that bright smile and that deep belly laugh.
Better eye contact, both more often and for longer periods of time. Better decision making, albeit by pushing (if he doesn't want it) or pulling (if he does). Less tantrums, both in quantity and the length of time they actually last if he must tantrum. Walking up and hugging the girls in his class (little flirt)! Participating in group activities, turn taking and transitioning. My, oh, my.
There aren't dramatic changes, of course. He isn't suddenly speaking words or saying sentences. He still dances more often than he sits still, and he doesn't show much interest in other people or traditional play. But there are small steps, little signs of progress. And they are so nice to see.
One step at a time, one day at a time . . .