Week 4

Week 4 has been another week of growth and great learning experiences. I learned a little about the Floortime model, a model used for children with ASD to assess their level of development and social engagement to determine what treatment approach to take. I also led my first treatment group with 6 children with Down's Syndrome who have difficulty with behavioral management and visual perception. It was chaotic and difficult to grade the activity according to each of the children's individuals needs and abilities, but it encouraged me to utilize task analysis and problem solving in the future.

Yesterday (Saturday), the ladies and I went to the beach and ended up getting pretty crispy. I walked the beach for a while, studied a few pages of my cert prep book, and then read Divergent  (my new book). Later that night we went to dinner at a restaurant on the bay with a live band and the best goat cheese, artichoke, and pesto pizza EVER! No kidding. We also saw 2 dolphins (one had a chipped fin) and a manatee. ::)  Following dinner, we went to this huge parade in town and collected TONS of mardi gras beads. Don't worry--no flashing involved.We went back to the restaurant later that night for a glass of wine and dessert by the water. Very tranquil and romantic ladies night.

Today, the ladies and I went to church, grabbed a bite to eat, and visited the Ringling Museum.  It may be my favorite place yet. Below are three pictures of various places on the Ringling museum property.

 The perfect wedding venue....the Ringling Mansion, situated with a perfect view and steps going to the bay.  We saw a dolphin while out on this veranda. :)

 The Banyan trees are so whimsical and skirt the property.

 The courtyard of the Ringling Art Museum.

This next week I will be planning and implementing intervention sessions for around 35 kids at the school, and 10 kids at the clinic. I am really looking forward towards it, and advancing my ability to grade activities in the process. I am falling more and more in love with these phenomenal kids, and constantly look forward to loving on them--something most of them don't get at home.