what about me?

Six and a half years ago, SJ didn't care about people. He didn't really play with Bob. He didn't seem to notice other kids. He would be in his little world while all the "typical" people moved around him. It is amazing to me to think how far he has come. We were outside riding our bikes today when a neighbor friend came to find the boys. I was talking to the boy's mom when Bob, SJ and the boy came to his house. The boy wanted to know if Bob could come in. SJ quickly looked at the kid and said, "What about me?" The boy just smiled at SJ and said, "Yeah, I meant you too SJ." SJ says this phrase a lot now.  It is amazing progress that he is asking this simple question.  It is hard for me to describe how I feel when SJ is realizing he is a part of the typical world. I think back to the boy who would sit in the bay window and watch the cars drive by for hours. I think about him zooming Hot Wheels cars past his eyes instead of playing with them traditionally. I think back to SJ staring at the TV for hours on end and not hearing me call his name. I would have given anything to hear him want to be a part of the typical world. So if any of you out there have a child like SJ, please don't give up hope. Don't stop imagining what your child's future will be. Six years ago, I would have never guessed he would care why a neighbor boy hadn't invited him in. Progress comes.  Sometimes, it is just a little slower with kids like SJ.  I will take whatever progress I can get.