# data[].attributes.body
Here's a bunch of clips of activities we have been working on over the past couple of months. DeLu has significantly improved in his balance, coordination with jumping specifically & overall navigation of his environment with his L side!

# data[].attributes.body
Toothbrushing

Putting on/taking off shirt

Handwashing

Sensory diet

# data[].attributes.body
coordination (jumping, stair climbing)

balance

body positioning & posture (mainly to left hip in sitting)

# data[].attributes.body
DeLu forms strong attachments with the first person who comforts him, and will often want to stay with that person all day. To support him, begin by offering comfort through holding, sitting close, or gentle co-regulation. Once he's calm, help him transition by staying with him and inviting him into a new activity or room. Use shared joy—like playful engagement, songs, or familiar toys—to make the shift feel safe and fun. The comforting adult can slowly “hand off” the connection by joining play with another provider, then gently stepping back once DeLu is settled. Avoid rushing transitions; instead, offer choices, use simple scripts like “Let’s go together,” and keep routines predictable. These strategies help DeLu feel secure while learning that new spaces and people can be safe and enjoyable too.

# data[].attributes.body
When DeLu arrives, he benefits from immediate connection with one consistent adult. This adult should focus on offering comfort through holding, sitting close, or co-regulating until DeLu feels safe. Once he’s calm, the adult can gently introduce the day’s routine or first activity, using shared joy such as a favorite toy, song, or playful moment to invite him in. If another provider will be supporting him, use a “hand-off” approach: the first adult stays nearby while the second joins in play, helping DeLu build a new connection before stepping back. Keep the entry routine predictable, warm, and unhurried, using simple language like “Let’s go together” and allowing DeLu to bring a comfort item if needed. This helps him start the day feeling secure, connected, and ready to engage.

# data[].attributes.body
Spear and cut with fork and knife

This goal area is best supported through sensory/pretend play. Some of DeLu's favorite mediums include playdough and kinetic sand. He has had most success with a wooden, kid safe knife (pictured) and using a pressing motion to cut. He enjoys cutting food for his figurines and animals.

# data[].attributes.body
Although I used cookies, this activity can be simulated with any toy! This position (leaning back on hands, legs elevated in the air) really challenges the abdominal muscles to maintain the posture, and also grabbing any object with the feet challenges coordination.

# data[].attributes.body
DeLu is a very charismatic, playful friend who greatly enjoys the company of a preferred adult when exploring the classroom/sensory room.

# data[].attributes.body
DeLu arrives with loose items + a water bottle placed into his mini-Minecraft backpack for snack.

DeLu benefits from eating with a peer or a trusted Indie Adult, present at the table.

Gentle reminders that snack is available are beneficial for DeLu.

Self feeds

# data[].attributes.body
DeLu benefits from utilizing his interest areas such as:

Hot wheels

Nightmare Before Christmas

Mario

Building

DeLu also greatly benefits from gross-motor movement while learning such as climbing, bouncing, or vibrating.

# data[].attributes.body
1. letter identification

2. letter sounds

3. cvc blends

4. number identification 1-100

5. sequencing 1-100

# data[].attributes.body
DeLu demonstrates the sequence of his toileting and handwashing routines, but needs accomodations with a few steps in each area. (Stepping stool for the sink, Stepping stool for the toilet, help adjusting his pants once pulled up).

Enjoyed the dinosaur soap with the automatic soap dispenser with a model to put his hand under. Would benefit from utilizing both soap dispensers to be comfortable in both modes.

He benefits from reminders throughout his day “do you need to go “Peesh-kee”(a home phrase).

He has benefited from support lifting him up to sit on the potty. He is seated when he pees.

# data[].attributes.body
After picking Devin up on Thursday I have heard over and over from him about Marble Run. Of course we went to Target the next day and purchased one! He has been playing with Marble Run all weekend that it even traveled with us to brunch on Friday and Flagstaff and Sedona over the weekend.

# data[].attributes.body
On Monday Devin (and, big brother) go horseback riding. Today he rode the horse for about 15-20 minutes! He is still having trouble keeping his helmet on. Thankfully he has two trainers to hold him while he rides.

# data[].attributes.body
DeLu is independent with all mobility within the classroom. His left side is most involved due to his diagnosis, and this is seen mainly with tasks like running, climbing and jumping.

He may benefit from a watching eye with the climbing dome as he sometimes loses grip with left hand/toes.

# data[].attributes.body
This video is from July, but I wanted to share it because a few times a week at night we try to work on new “challenges.” Here is big brother helping Devin balance.

# data[].attributes.body
We transformed one of our rooms into a jump park and Devin and his brother utilize it daily. Devin loves flips.

# data[].attributes.body
Devins PT came this morning for his fascia.

# data[].attributes.body
DeLu primarily uses spoken language to communicate with others:

DeLu hears English, Spanish, and Bosnian at home.  While at Indie, he primarily uses English to communicate with others but will use the word piški’ pronounced ‘pee-sh-kee’ if he needs to pee.

At times, DeLu augments spoken language with gestures, reaching for objects, turning away, vocalizations (laughter, cries), etc.

Until comfortable with his surroundings and individuals in his environment, DeLu is quieter and uses single words and short phrases to communicate.  As he has become more comfortable with the team members at Indie, DeLu has been observed to use longer, self-generated utterances.

DeLu asks and answers a variety of WH- questions including yes/no questions for accuracy and preference, who, what, and where.  He has labels for a variety of common objects, people, and actions. Additionally, he has acquired all speech sounds typical for his age and gender.

Grammatical structures overheard in spontaneous speech:

Regular past tense verb (e.g. climbed)

Irregular past tense verbs (e.g. ate)

Present progressive -ing (e.g. jumping)

Pronouns (e.g. his, she)

Prepositions (e.g. on, under)

Uses spoken language for a variety of communicative purposes:

Asking questions

Answering questions

Commenting

Sharing emotion

Sharing engagement

Requesting

Rejecting

Describing

Labeling

Directing

Greeting

Gathering information

Maintaining social relationships

DeLu is demonstrating age-expected language skills and, as with all children, thrives with ongoing opportunities in a language-rich environment.

# data[].attributes.body
Any items brought from home are placed into his back pack for safe transport back home.

To dismiss, DeLu greatly benefits from gentle reminders that his trusted home adult is coming in 10/5/2 minutes away. These gentle reminders help prime DeLu for a smooth dismissal.

# data[].attributes.body
We worked on balancing this weekend! When we first bought this balance board he wasn’t able to balance without assistance. Today he balanced by himself without assistance for almost a minute.

# data[].attributes.body
This summer we have been learning basic tennis moves. Devin loves an overhand, once we practice the forehand and backhand my goal is for his to gain strength with his left hand by doing a solid backhand. We have yet to make it to the courts due to heat but we practice what we can at home.

# data[].attributes.body
Back in January Devin needed assistance to climb on here. Granted he is older now and taller, I feel like PT has truly been an asset to help with his strength. He is able to independently climb all the way on top.

# data[].attributes.body
Devin loves Spirit Halloween! Since it opened in August we have been to Spirit Halloween 12 different times at 6 different locations (I’m keeping at tally). He loves to step on the animatronics. I encourage him to use his left foot to step on the animatronics. Here he is dancing. He may ask you to, “step on it” and that is where he pretends to be an animatronic and activates when you “step.” ☺️

# data[].attributes.body
Here's a little vid of a new activity Devin loves. He likes to say "don't touch the lasers" so it really works on his navigation skills!!

# data[].attributes.body
DeLu arrives with his trusted home adult and is transferred to an Indie adult, at the classroom door.

DeLu greatly benefits from a quick re-direction (something akin to "Oh my gosh, don't smile! Don't even!" have proven to be beneficial)

# data[].attributes.body
We made it to Spirit Halloween after pickup for 10 minutes before I dropped Devin off. He was very excited.

# data[].attributes.body
We spent some time at the library on Saturday going up and down the stairs and across for balance.

# data[].attributes.body
Devin was very excited to get his first animatronic this year after making our 15th visit to Spirit Halloween this year 🎃

# data[].attributes.body
We played lots of soccer this weekend as family. Devins kicks are awesome. I quickly recorded one of his kicks but I wish everyone could see his best shots!

# data[].attributes.body
Last week Devin finished his first week of swim and he has nailed his float! He is doing amazing!

# data[].attributes.body
I have been encouraging Devin to throw water balloons with his left hand. He does great. But, when it’s time to clean up, he just cannot because “his hand hurts.” 🫠

# data[].attributes.body
Devin continues soccer practice every other week with big brother!

# data[].attributes.body
Devin golfing today.

# data[].attributes.body
DeLu is typically in an HRE (happy, relaxed, and engaged) state during his time at Indie. In the kitchen, he had fun eating a snack with peers and making silly sounds with staff members. After transitioning back to the studio, he enjoyed playing with magnetic blocks. DeLu advocated for himself numerous times throughout the observation, including saying “Do it again” when he wanted a staff member to keep making silly sounds and “I need help” when he needed help cleaning up his snack in the kitchen, remaining regulated both times. These instances highlight his ability to advocate for his wants and needs, as well as his ability to regulate his own emotions. It was noted that DeLu may benefit from modeled self-advocacy statements, particularly during interactions with peers, as he appeared uncomfortable when a peer got too close to him but was able to remain regulated after repeating a staff member’s modeled statement, “I don’t like that”. Additionally, DeLu may benefit from the use of visual schedules throughout his day. He appeared briefly disappointed when it was not yet time to go to the movement space but was able to remain regulated when provided with a visual schedule showing when movement would be available later in his routine.

# data[].attributes.body
Modeled Self-Advocacy with Peers: DeLu benefits from modeled self-advocacy statements with peers (i.e., “I don’t like that”, “That’s mine”, etc.) as he continues to build confidence to communicate his personal boundaries independently.

Visual Schedule: DeLu benefits from the use of a visual schedule during transitions. Being able to see what is happening next and when preferred activities or locations will be available can help increase predictability and support regulation throughout his day.

# data[].attributes.body
Devin has been rocking swimming this summer. While his older peers and cousins require life jackets and floaties, Devin can swim independently without assistance. I’m very proud of that.