Update from Steven

As promised, here is the update on Steven!  He continues to do great things in Abilene!  He is signing more and has started shaving!

His new favorite sign is "finished" which looks like he's shaping an hourglass in front of himself.  He has mastered it.  Last time I went to visit, we dropped in to say hi to his case manager and behavior coach.  I got to say a quick hi.  Then, Steven signed "finished".  I asked if he was really finished, he answered "yea" verbally, took me by the arm and escorted me out the door!

He is also signing toothbrush, chip, and popcorn.  He's been a bit reluctant to sign popcorn until he went to the movies last week.  His primary aide, Jeff, keeps Steven busy during his down time. They went to the movies and he gave Steven a little popcorn.  Steven tried to grab it back and Jeff said not yet.  Steven started signing "popcorn" without prompting!  They called us via skype that night and told us all about it!

Speaking of skype, we've been skyping with Steven a few times each week and he's become a master at it.  If you are interested in skyping with him, let us know your skype id and we can ask Jeff to skype you one evening!

In addition to growing up, Steven has taken to wearing shades!  He steals EVERYONE's shades at the house.  If a staff member can't find their sunglasses, they search Steven's room.  He doesn't care of they are male or female glasses!


Next month, he will be 15.  Troy can't travel down for a birthday party, so Steven and Jeff are coming up here on 9/15 for us to celebrate!

B