Robb's trip to the beach

 My family just came back from the beach. Robb is usually at camp or has school so he doesn't get to go on a lot of trips, but that just made this one even more special! You have seen Robb loves to swim so he spent most of his time in the ocean, but he kept on steeping on the reef so he had to work on that. He love the feeling of it on his feet, but when doing that he was also hurting the fish.
 On this trip all Robb ate were hamburgers. My mom always asked for it with no bun, but got it with one. Robb always drank orange juice. He loves it but doesn't usually get it so that was a special treat for him! I think this trip was good before he starts going to St. Elizabeth!

Robb's new school!

 Robb is going to be switching schools! He had his last day at his old school, Kennedy Krieger and in July will be going to St. Elizabeth's. I visited the school today with him and the rest of my family, he played a matching game in math and watched videos in English. At first I wasn't sure he fit in (he was sitting on the air conditionig instead of the chair) but he eventually got the hang of it.

 While he was there he also really enjoyed the gym. It was made up of a basketball basket, bouncy balls, a scooter, and loads of fun! On one end of the gym there was a door that lead into the swing room. The swing room is a square swing with padding all around it! Robb loved it, but I think his younger brother, Poe, loved it even more! I hope he enjoys it there and I'm sure he will because this is a school of laughter, love, and happiness!!!!

Robb's trip to DC

Today Robb had to go to Washington DC to renew his passport. This trip involved a lot of waiting. Waiting is very hard for Robb, but even though he didn't enjoy it he did a good job!

Robb's Love for ketchup

  Robb can't eat a lot. He is gluten, casein, soy, wheat, and yeast free. His usual meals include fruit, special bread, turkey-dogs, potato chips and burgers all topped with lots of ketchup! He loves ketchup!!!! We have to hide it around the house so he doesn't pour it all over his face. When we go on trips we have to hide it to. Once we were spending the week at our friends house in Vermont, when they were getting some plates from the cabinets they saw the ketchup there so we had to explain. Now in addition to ketchup he is starting to enjoy mustard!

2013 Special Olympics

Today Robb raced in two races for the special Olympics. The first one he won a gold medal, that was the assisted swim. The second one was unassisted, but he needs to work on it. He didn't wait   for the whistle and was disqualified. I'm still very proud of him! Here are some pics of him with the assistant coach, Emily.

Robb's Learning Plan

  Robb has his own learning plan. This means he is taught differently and at his own speed, learning things in different ways the his classmates. This also gives him more opportunities to learn. "Every kid should have there own learning plan" -Robb Doub sr. "It gives more opportunities and kids would do much better in school."  

  Robb goes to Kennedy Krieger, but will soon be switching. He goes to school throughout the summer so he does not forget skills. Also in addition to school he has to take speech and occupational therapy at the end of the day. A problem I have with his schooling is he is required to take stuff like history and math when he could be learning stuff like going to the bathroom by himself and putting on his clothes. Instead he learns stuff that will never make an impact and he will never use.

Sign Language

Robb uses sign language to communicate. Some signs he uses are:

Help

He also uses the sign for ketchup. To do this sign you make a K in sign language and hold it under your chin.

Special Olympics

Robb does something called Special Olympics. An Olympics for people with special needs. He does swimming and he trains all year which leads up to the real thing which is tomorrow. It is going to be the second time he has done it. Last year he got 2nd place! Here are some pictures of him training:

About Robb

                                               

  Robb was born with down syndrome. He was diagnosed with severe autism at three and became non-verbal. He is lactose-intolerant, gluten free, wheat free, and soy free. He loves the wiggles, music, swimming, and so much more! Hi, I'm his sister, Astri, and I'm giving him the voice he doesn't have.