riding the bus!

To say that today was a big day for Luke and the Attridge family is like saying last night was a big night for Leonardo DiCaprio.  Huge.  Luke rode the bus to school today all by himself.  Literally, he was the only child on the bus.  He acted as though it was the most ordinary and common thing to do, "Of course I'll ride the bus to school."  I managed to get him on it and almost back to the front door before a few tears of happiness leaked out.  Paul was on a conference call for work, but he got to watch it all from his office window.  We're so fortunate to get to experience these moments together.

This is the bus as it drives up our street to stop in front of our house.  Luke is the only passenger.  

He got on without any prompting and took his seat.  Kelly, his driver helped him buckle his belt.

The bus leaving with our big boy.

We are continuously impressed, amazed, gobsmacked by the excellence of the team of people working with Luke.  Michelle made this video (Wheels on the Bus for Luke) for Luke to watch in the days prior to his first ride.  Video modelling is very effective with him and relatively new to autism therapy.  

shepardson star

Mrs Harding is telling the class why she chose Luke to be the Star for December. (Jenny has video of this that I will include in the future.)

The teacher for each class at Shepardson Elementary chooses a student every month to be a Star.  Luke was chosen for December for showing respect to self during literacy, which is identifying letter names and sounds!  We are very proud of (L)Uck.

 Luke is with Audrey.  She has voluntarily become his helpmate and he looks to her for guidance on behaviour and actions.

Standing with the other Stars at the assembly

Visiting Luke in his classroom after the assembly