We often communicate by me asking a question with a choice of two answers and I show him which hand to tap for each answer. Our conversations include whether he wants me to sing while he is in the bath and if so which song, whether he wants longer in the bath and if he is ready for breakfast.
Jack watches everything I do and will get up to mischief given half a chance. We have a good laugh together. Each morning after supporting him to undress, Jack uses the toilet and each morning after he had finished I would put the lid down flush the toilet and wash my hands, before helping him into the bath.
One morning about six months ago, after using the toilet Jack stood up turned round put the lid down and flushed the toilet then turned to the sink, put the tap on and washed his hands.
I was so proud! But didn’t want to get too excited in case it was a one off… but no, the next morning he did it again, now I was getting excited! I know you have to be in this job to appreciate how exciting something so simple is.
On the third morning I told his Mum what had happened. The look of amazement, joy and pride on Mum’s face was fantastic, as she uttered the words “and they said he wouldn’t even be able to sit up”. This made me realise that I do make a difference and I do something so very worthwhile.
The question is: Whose mountain top moment was it? And what will we achieve next?
The name of young man has been changed in this story.
Catherine Bradley
Community Learning Facilitator
MacIntyre No Limits Leicestershire