On New Year’s eve Ethan showed us that he could say the word ‘Hello’. I couldn’t believe it but I was so pleased to blog about it for our Small Steps Amazing Achievements Linky. Since that day he has been using the word more and more, keeping everything crossed, I’m so happy to say he is using it everyday. The added bonus is he always uses it in the right context, this is something that is very important in the world of autism.
When we go out, and if Ethan is in the mood, he will say hello to passers by. If we are very lucky some people say hello back. This melts my heart everytime, my little superstar is actually saying a word that strangers are recognizing and they respond to him.
Some people do ignore him and it makes me sad. I want to shout at them ‘Do you now know how long I have waited for this word, an interaction with people?!’. Thankfully, mostly people do respond. One lady did say she didn’t want to say hello back for fear of encouraging stranger danger. Yes we do have to work on that but I’m happy to let him continue like this for at least another year.
How confusing will it be to say to Ethan, well done my little man you are now talking to people but now you can’t do it, it must stop!
We are also having moments when Ethan will say hello and people engage with him more, asking him another question. He then looks at them blankly or responds in Ethan language. I find I respond by telling them it’s taken nearly four years to get hello.
Last week we got an unexpected Daddy day and I finally got to capture my heart melting moment on video. Definitely one to treasure.
That’s a really special moment and I bet one that’ll always be magical and that bit more memorable.
I think it will always hold a special place in my heart ;0) x
How lovely! That certainly is a magic moment! I don’t think there’s any worry about stranger danger with just saying ‘hello’.
I hope not, but it is something we will have to work on in the future x
It must be so hard to explain Hello to others, and lovely that they chat back even if that does leave him stumped. Such an underrated word.
You are right Hello is an underrated word ;0) x
That’s so beautiful. He looks like he is having so much fun! #magicmoments
He did really enjoy the day, he is such a little thrill seeker ;0)
Awww Bless him… Its such a Magic Moment when Late talkers start talking!, every word is just Magic. I also use to hate when people would just blatantly just ignore my boys if there said anything… Even though they words would be very clear. Maybes its just today Society? Nevertheless he should be definitely encouraged to engage in conversations 🙂 #MagicMoments
I do find it depends who he says hello to, young girls always reply and also mums of young children. Men sometimes look like they don’t know what to do!
Everything is going well I can see! Love all this positive things thats going on on your household. Tell Ethan I said Hello =) #MagicMoments
Thank you. We do take the rough with the smooth and it helps me to keep positive to blog about the good things. Keeping everything crossed for more positive things to write about :0)
Awww Jane!! what a super post and the most super cute video! Ethan really is coming on in leaps and bounds!
thanks for linking up with #MagicMoments xx
Thank you, it is baby steps but reminding ourselves that this time last year he didn’t have any words, its fantastic progress x
Aww!! How brilliant!!
That is a definite moment to treasure x
Thank you, Hello is my favourite word :0) x
I love your magic moment and I totally understand it. VERY HUGE! My boy only started *talking* (sounding out letters to make simple words) last year and it blew me away.
Thank you. I think you really do take being able to talk for granted and it’s not until you are faced with the non-verbal you realise how massie these steps are for anyone. I really hope words for our boys continue to come x
Aww bless him!! He is so cuuuute! #magicmoments
This is just so lovely Jane, I’ve got tears in my eyes for you x A perfect moment for you x #MagicMoments
Definitely a heart-melting moment, Jane! It must make him so happy when people respond to him, though I really don’t understand why anyone shouldn’t. #MagicMoments
Well dome Ethan 🙂
That video made me cry! Well done Ethan. Fantastic news! Here’s to many many more ‘hellos’ x
Hello Ethan, yes I’m waving too, what a wonderful little video 🙂
What an amazing moment! So lovely!
Aw he is so cute, bless him x
What a wonderful thing to capture – bless him
Aw, what a lovely moment!x
I was sure I’d commented on this! Clearly having a moment 🙂 Loved this post, such a special moment for you all x
A lovely magical moment to treasure x
What a lovely moment 🙂 O says hello to everyone! If they don’t answer he says it louder over and over until they reply which makes me sad too – they are children who are being polite the least they can say is hello