My son, Dean, is developmentally delayed in most areas that aren't physical or motor related. I suspect he's on the autism spectrum, as does the speech therapist he used to see, though she said he's a bit young for a full evaluation. He doesn't understand much of anything and can't really follow simple instructions yet.

But he's finally learned to color instead of eating the crayons. He's even trying to say the word color- which is his first word ever! And when I ask him if he wants to color, he goes straight to the cabinet where we keep the paper and crayons. And that's the first time he's shown me that he can understand more than he lets on and can even follow an instruction.

I know most, if not all, of your little ones probably accomplished this feat ages ago. And it may not seem like a big deal. But for me and my son, its a huge step. And I'm just so proud of him!

I've worried about his delays a lot. And worried because he's a middle child and so freaking independent that he will spend 24/7 playing alone in his room if I were to let him.

It's moments like this that bring a huge wave of relief over me! He has improved so much these last few weeks from learning to color, following instructions, attempting to say his first word, beginning to play with his 3 year old brother, finally showing an interest in his 6 week old brother, and even though he hates physical affection (with anything but his security blanke), he came up to me and gave me a kiss on the forehead yesterday 😭

Pardon his messy pajamas- he was having a snack while he colored.