After 3 weeks and 2 day of practicing with his ABA teacher, K.C. is an official bike rider! I never, ever thought it would be possible. Could my severely Autistic child who has no language do something a complexed as riding a bike? The answer is a big, "YES!" K.C.'s ABA teacher and I have been going outside with him and his bike each sessions through each week. We got him to sit on the bike fairly easily but could not get him to pedal or "push" with his feet. I got on my knees beside him and manipulated his feet each and everyday. His ABA instructor came up with a better idea, to stand away from him and hold his super favorite video in the air while he sat on the bike. I didn't let him get off the bike to run to get the dvd. Instead I manipulated his legs each time. Some days he was totally ticked off and wouldn't go near the bike. We just kept at it for three weeks, two days. He finally pushed his feet to get to his dvd! We cheered him on each and everyday even for the tiniest attempts, I really believe it kept him motivated to learn.
Now we have been riding (Big Brother and K.C.) through our neighborhood with me along side of K.C. He doesn't know about any safety rules such a the stop sign or looking for cars at all. Maybe it will come with time, I have printed stop signs off the Internet and we are working with his ABA instructor on that.
I am still amazed, I never thought this was even possible at all. Lately K.C. has proven everyone wrong. I am thrilled. It is hard work but just look at him go! He's focused and looks relaxed. I cheer him on and I know he hears me but he doesn't smile back, he's very focused on riding. The best part is that he has no time to stim. His hands have to be on the handle bars and his feet moving. Big Brother is totally happy that he, "has a friend to ride with!" He really feels very happy.
Our inspiration is Charlie from, http://www.autismvox.com. This young man is also Autistic and an excellent bike rider. He's such an inspiration, I'll admit had it not been for me reading about Charlie and his bike riding and Autism I may have never thought it possible for K.C. Thank you Charlie for being such an awesome kiddo!
This is K.C. riding his bike like a pro after 3 weeks and 2 days!
Now if we could just get him to wear a helmet!
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18 comments:
Oh my gosh, Tina! This made me cry!! I'm so happy for KC because it gives him so much independence and a sense of accomplishment. And, I'm happy for you because you get to see KC do something that he enjoys doing, worked hard to learn how to do and succeeded. I hope that you can always remember this when you start to feel that doubt creep back in about KC. NEVER underestimate our God, Tina. I always try to remember that about Conor. HIP HIP HOORAY!!!
This is so exciting to see! KC looks like a natural-----I guess we know what you'll all be doing in the months to come!
OMG! Tina, this just gives me goosebumps! It sounded a couple of times like he was trying to say "push" also! This is SO awesome; I know you are over-the-moon proud and you should be! How's KC sleeping after bike riding? I would think the gross motor activity might be calming/soothing; I know it is for Nik whenever we go to the park.
YAY, KC!!!!
Oh My God! This is so AWESOME!!!! I am so proud of K.C.! I can imagine how you must feel! He is like a pro. He learned this so quickly. You are so right about him proving everyone wrong. I love how he even does well on the turns.
Niks Mama, you are so right!!!! I didn't even notice but it does sound like he's trying to talk! I don't know how I missed it! I am going to listen to it again and turn the volume up. Thrilled!
Delurking to say YIPPEE!!!!! When you say in the video "You're riding!" I burst into tears. What a wonderful moment for you and KC!!!!
This is awwwwwwwwesome!!! This video made me smile.
Excellent K.C.! Riding a bike is a challenge! We are working on M removing the training wheels.
I bet K.C. is so happy!
AND HE TURNED TOO... BUT mommy that big boy needs a bigger bike to ride for his little legs... How cool is that Tina oh man how cool.... hey get this ... yeah I have a real close family on my husbands side... my mother in law just told me that my husband's half brother has 2 sons with autism. what the heck.. his older oen is high functioning and the 5 year old is non verbal. huh.... good job KC on that bike.
Just brillient!! Absolutly brillient! Im going to cry! These things are so massive. :)
Great that you found me on You Tube!!
Virtual high fives all around!!! Fantastic news. Thanks for sharing it. It motivates me to put Jack on a bike!
THIS IS WONDERFUL! so beautiful to see him, it made me cry. he seems very relaxed and peaceful, yes? enjoying the rhythm that he is making with the pedals the freedom of movement. i am so proud of him!
GO KC!!
Dash was watching this with me cheering him on!
OMG Tina! That is soooooo wonderful! I am going to get Griffin to watch the video and hopefully he will be inspired by it and it will help him get motivated to ride his bike. Thank you so much for sharing that video it truly put tears of joy in my eyes. You guys are the best and we love you dearly! Hugs!!!!
What a mind-blowing amazing accomplishment for KC. I am SOOOO proud of him. WOW!
Just thought you would like to know i am taking a break from blogging, but i will look in on you too see how K.C. is doing from time to time. :)
Much luck and best wishes to you all. x
Yah K.C! I can't wait till I see Peter do that! Thank you for sharing that - it definitely brought a smile to my face.
Best wishes,
Amy
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