At age 13 Jimmy can now tie his own shoes. He always puts his clothes on by himself, front-ways, and is very proud of this accomplishment. Jimmy cares about his appearance now. After his shower he wants his hair blow-dried and styled, and wants to be told he looks handsome. He was basically non-verbal a year ago, and now uses speech to communicate.
School is as different as night from day since vision therapy began.
Jimmy has a longer attention span, follows instructions better, listens more closely and can sir for longer periods of time. Last year his time was spent doing sheltered workshop jobs, daily living skills, and he had lots of free time. This year he has three or four five-minute breaks during his morning, with the rest filled with learning activities. His classes are in the high school building this year and Jimmy has noticed that the kids there look and act different than the elementary kids did. Hr is trying very hard to be like the older kids.