We are immensely proud of our student, D, who was invited to a Fun Day and presented with the Personal Achievement Award on Saturday 19th October.
In the morning, D did not stop smiling read a social story and choosing a smart, casual outfit to wear.
Arriving at Newbury Racecourse D seemed to remember where he was, as he had attended two years ago. He was greeted at the welcome desk as he headed out to the activities. D was interested in the climbing wall and watched before getting in the queue. There was a very helpful guy who seemed to understand Delius anxiety, and he was very careful and considerate, giving instructions for D to step in to the harness and taking extra care to adjust the straps and clip on the safety rope. No helmet needed! D began climbing, reaching up for hand holds and stepping up on to the foot holds. Amazing.
On return to the dining hall, the Social Worker was there to help find a table. There were speeches and Introductions before names were called out. D watched as each person went up to collect awards, He joined in with clapping and listened to music. When D’s name was called, D immediately stood up and went to receive his award by himself. The award was in a white envelope and D perhaps couldn’t understand what this was for, so he handed it back and returned to his seat. We retrieved it for him and tucked it away for later.
This was so brilliant! To self-regulate, D spins his body or toys, and sometimes spinning items inappropriately; he can get stuck and sometimes worries about busy and noisy environments.
Events such as this show that D is maturing, managing his needs and feelings. He has shown immense progress in his level of understanding, what is being said to him and knowing what to do when out in the community.