In speech therapy, Nathaniel said his first word: mama. He hasn't been able to repeat the feat, yet. However, if he can say a word once, he can do it again! We'll keep working on it.
We put the 10-month-old nephew into Nathaniel's arms to hold, without anyone assisting. Nathaniel looked at his nephew and opened his mouth as if to say something to him. No sound came out, but Nathaniel smiled, which was his way of communicating in that situation.
Nathaniel's neighbor owns a falafel/shawarma shop and sometimes spoils him and the caregivers by bringing plates of falafel and shawarma. I went to visit Nathaniel just after he had eaten there, but after he had gone for a nap. The room was dark, but I knew Nathaniel was still awake. I couldn't see him, so I put my hand under his chin and told him to shake his head with the answer. I asked him if he liked the falafel. He shook his head, NO. I asked if it was too spicy or too dry or some other reason. He answered a slight yes, but not clear. I told the caregivers that Nathaniel didn't like the falafel. They told me that he didn't have falafel, he had eaten shawarma. I went into his room again and said that I asked the wrong question. He didn't like the falafel because he didn't have any. When I told him that, he laughed. Clearly understanding the humor in the situation.
He informed his communication therapist that he wanted to listen to audio books. He particularly wanted mystery books. I asked him later if he wanted me (or someone else) to read to him. He was very clear that he wanted to listen to the audio book. It’s good to see him having clarity about what he wants and communicating it.
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