She's not been swallowed by a troll after all

Jane's level of imagination is astonishing to me. Her pre-school teacher says she's the 'role play queen' at nursery. Having had two autistic boys who both still struggle to use their imagination, it's been great to expose them to her play.  In this kind of way, Jane's play is the marvel and breath of fresh air when it comes to games in the home... sometimes.

Whilst I was busy emptying the dishwasher (ok, very slowly emptying the dishwasher and mostly making a cup of tea), Jane was very busy in the kitchen cupboards too.  She was packing a bag.. for camping.  And it was important that she got everything she needed safely into her bag so that, 'it doesn't fall off the boat'.  Whatever she's playing it sounds adventurous I thought. And goodness knows what she will need that egg cup for?  Off she trundles with the bag as I continue (start) to empty the dishwasher.

A few minutes later she appears, "I'm in a troll" she playfully screams.

Fair enough.  Why not.

"It's ok, it's ok... come see mama."

Just beyond the doorway, Jane's bag of bits has spilled onto the floor.... or is it into the troll's tummy or into the sea? I wasn't sure and not wanting to get it wrong just waited while Jane explained.

"It's all out, but it's ok, I'm in a troll.  I'm going to decide what to do and sort it out."

I'm sorry, did I just walk out of the kitchen and into a board meeting? She's 'in control'.

Wow.

The boys learning from Jane eh.. look what Jane has learned from my eldest autistic son.

Anthony often struggles with life because he is confused by what's happening or overwhelmed by information. And it can be the same with play.  Following Jane's imagination is difficult even for a seasoned pro like.  Her play requires Anthony to take a lot of information on board at the same time and whilst he's trying to figure out what's logical in a game of  'camping in a boat' he's somehow got to follow the task he's been given in the play too.

What helps him is being able to control the situation and make decisions too.  This is why David likes playing on an iPad, it's predictable and safe. We try and help the kids take turns in this kind of play so that each gets time to adjust and play the game in a way that's comfortable for them while being exposed to what the other is doing. Whilst I was busy thinking Anthony could be learning about Jane's stories, Jane has been busy learning from Anthony. Anthony has been the teacher this time.

She's picked up about 'being in control'.  She's understood that it's about making decisions and then acting upon them. I'm in awe of her really, perhaps we have a power woman in the family after all. A potential glass ceiling breaker. And if later it turns out that Jane's on the spectrum, as genetics means she could be, then least she understands this already.

Despite Jane appearing to be neurotypical, she and I attend a weekly playgroup for families with disabled children.  We used to go there with her brothers and now I go along to talk to other mums and let Jane play too.  Because I think there is value in playing with all children, including the disabled children at the playgroup.  So maybe I shouldn't be so surprised that Jane has early on learned to be 'in control' from her big brother.  Given Jane's imagination being 'in a troll' may come along sometimes soon anyway.

Links 
Jane and I attend Me Too & Co play sessions 

This post supports the Makaton Charity #wetalkmakaton sign of the week

Linked to:
#TwinklyTuesday from Mumma Scribbles and #ftmob with Little Hearts Big Love