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Something pretty exciting has been going on here. It has to do with words. I’m certain that I will be posting quite a bit about words over the next little bit…but for now, I would like to start with two words: Yes and No.

We have been using Yes and No cards with Esmé to permit her to make some more choices in the moment. For about a week they have been a prop for her to respond to questions like: “Ez do you want to watch a show?” Yes. “Do you want Small Potatoes?” No. “Yo Gabba Gabba?” Yes. “What episode? Big?” No. “Animals?” Yes.

But Sunday night things got a bit more creative. Ezzy’s papa got the cards out while they were watching Yo Gabba Gabba tonight and asked Ez questions about the characters. “Is Plex green?” No. “Is he yellow?” Yes. “Is Foofa pink?” Yes. And so on…
I tried really hard to contain my excitement, but the list of questions I have for her just keeps multiplying in my head. Do you dream? Do you know I love you? Do you love letters? Do you like going to school? Do you have a best friend? Do you have a favorite Yo Gabba Gabba friend? A favorite Small Potato? Do you want a big girl bed?
But instead I asked, “Is papa a little girl?” Giggles. No. “Is papa a big girl?” No. “Is papa a boy?” Yes. “Is maman a girl?” Yes.


This conversation amazed me…not so much because of her knowledge but because of her fluency. She grabbed each card assertively, certain both of the answer as well as the action necessary to communicate that answer. Other attempts at communication have managed to get stalled somewhere between her processing a question, coming up with a response, and clearly completing the action associated with communicating that response. We’ve used cards with pictures on them and they have baffled her. We’ve responded to head nods and shakes, but sometimes she seemed unable to carry out the motion. But the words, she seems to so clearly recognize and respond to the words…Yes and No.

Not wanting to tire her out, but eager to move on to those getting to know you questions, I asked, “Ezzy, can I please ask you another question?” No. “Are you sure?” Yes.

So, I guess I’ll just have to wait a little bit longer.

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15 Comments

  • We have never met, but I have been a long time follower of your blog. Your little girl touches my heart! Your posts have made me smile, have taken my breath away, and have made me see things from multiple perspectives that I would have never considered. (Thank you for all of those things, by the way)

    I just wanted to say, YAY!! … For Esme and for You! This is wonderful 🙂

  • Thank you so much for reaching out Deb! It means so much to me to hear from readers! We are really excited about this news…and so pleased to share it with people like you who follow our journey!

  • Been following your blog a while and adore it. As a special educator you've taught me so much through your candidness. I'm sure you have thought of this but could she do Picture Exchange Communication System ( PECS )?

  • Thank you Andrea! I appreciate your saying so. We have tried some PECS, but she wasn't very responsive to them. I think she is really motivated by letters and words, interestingly…and not as much by the pictures. We've done well with pictures for her favorite TV shows, though 🙂

  • Each of your Esmé blog-posts is inspiring but her card-oriented responsiveness described in this one is really exciting to read about.

  • Crying. I found your blog tonight via The Mighty (I write for them, too) and was immediately drawn in. And then this post. This post is why I want to be a Peds OT. To open up horizons for little ones and their families, and to add another facet to little lives already made beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this. The joy in your writing and the quiet pride in your daughter's victory makes my heart burst.

  • Thank you Madeleine! Please post a link to one of your stories…I'd love to read your work as well! We have a fantastic OT and it truly seems to be a field that attracts winderful and caring people. I'm so very happy my words (and, more importantly, Esmé's actions) spoke to you!

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