Preschool update: My 2 1/2-year-old non-talker

Tweet

I think I enjoy my #3 job even more than my #1 and #2 jobs. I basically get paid to play with some delightful 2 1/2- through 5-year-olds at my friend's preschool. In a previous post, I mentioned a 2 1/2-year-old I recently met there who has expressive aphasia. Although his comprehension is fine, he won't talk. When he needs something, he gestures and grunts. He also knows the sign for "more." Of course, he made me curious, and I wanted to work with him as much as possible. As it turns out, he and I have become quite attached in only a few weeks. Being a man in a primarily female environment may give me an edge with him. Today, we made a wall out of magnet tiles, read some books together, did some puzzles, banged on my "kid guitar" together, and played outside. When I was taking pretend sips of pretend tea someone had made with sand, he did the same. He is far from autistic: his eye contact is good, he infers others' intent, he is very social, and he expresses distress when someone invades his space or when a favorite teacher has to leave the classroom. Today, with me, he was nodding "yes" and "no" clearly and appropriately, and also uttering some phrases that sounded like attempts to speak. I think I've heard him say "firetruck" (in reference to the firetrucks on his boots) and I also think he tried to say "It's over there," in reference to something he wanted. He may have also tried to say my name today, and let me know with clear gestures (one to his butt and the other toward the bathroom) when he wanted me to change his poopy diaper Needless to say, I'll be providing updates about this young fella. He's made my life more interesting.