Couple of encouraging things. Firstly James is still echoing new words I say to him when I show him an object and have his attention. today it was 'handle' yesterday is was 'pliers' and 'lock' (I think).

Today he was playing at Penny's with a Duplo car and a block was stuck in the back, there was not enough for him to grip onto as it was mostly recessed and he wanted to take it off so after trying to remove it and not being successful he was sticking another brick on it, so that by pulling that brick it would take both off. He was definitely doing this on purpose and I thought now that's smart thinking :-)!!!!
It didn't work due to the lame Duplo grip they have so I offered help and he actually came around the table with it to me and I did it for him (it was hard!) twice.

Also his bike riding; he is entirely self taught and has learnt to balance, steer and now brake by dragging his feet (after experimenting with sticking them out facing forward which gets a bit wild).
I did give him loads of praise the other day while he was riding his bike; almost North American styles LOL; 'Yay, go James, (clapping and patting his head as he goes past)!

Also he is much more frequently recently taking me by the hand, I have been encouraging this by being responsive and saying 'show Daddy' and then going wherever. although I have to say 'no' recently to leaving a couple of houses (Mums and Penny's) that we have been at.

So here's lazy old me up after midnight blogging, filling out SCERTS sheets and about to go back on the rethink autism site to watch videos, take notes and print stuff out. Of course he's worth it!