I’m one of those moms who orders the costume, even if it’s a bit expensive, and we order it early. Why? We order early, in case there’s a size issue, or any problem of any kind that could be the … Continue reading
Halloween at Our House
Monthly Archives: October 2012
Dog Safety and Special Needs Kids
This summer, The Boy was attacked by a dog. He wasn’t injured seriously, just some very minor scrapes, but it was very scary for him, for me, and for the others who witnessed it. We were at the home of … Continue reading
My Kid is in the Choir
The flyer came home announcing that the choir would be singing at the local high school’s football game against their biggest cross-town rivals. In fact, six elementary choirs would be there, singing before the game. A parent must accompany the … Continue reading
Programs That Have Impact
The school district where we live, and where The Boy has attended school since his first day of kindergarten is known in our region of the state as having a very strong Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) program. It was why … Continue reading
Sunday Shout-Out: The Arc
Disclaimer: I am on the board of our local Arc chapter, so my views may be biased. I just want to share a bit about the fun we had at our Fun Fitness Walk, and encourage you to support your … Continue reading
Lock Laces: The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread
The Boy is 10, soon to be 11, and he cannot tie his shoes. We have tried over the years to show him how, but he’s just not interested. And when he’s not interested, he’s not going to learn much. … Continue reading
A Free Day?
What would I do with an entirely kid-free day? Visit the art museum, check out the prints, line drawings, and photography Pack myself a picnic, go to the park, and read Go shopping with a friend Have my very own … Continue reading
Questions
Lots of questions today. As usual, in the car.
The Boy:”Why is it just you and me?”
Me: “What do you mean? Are you asking why your dad and I got divorced?”
B: “Yeah.”
M: “Your dad and I just didn’t get along anymore. That happens sometimes.”
B: “Are you going to change your last name?”
M: “If The Man and I get married, that will probably happen.”
B: “Will my name change too?”
M: “That’s up to you. Do you want it to change?”
(no answer)
B: “Are you and The Man going to have any more kids? Will I get a brother?”
M: “Nope.”
B: “Why not?”
M: “The Man and I are too old to have any more kids. So it’ll be just you.”
B: “I’m going to have a bunch of kids. A whole pile.”
M: “Don’t you think you better check with your wife first?”
B: “I’m going to have a lot of kids.”
—
This entire conversation took place in the space of about one minute. Such heady stuff for a 10 year old. I sometimes find it difficult not to let my surprise (that he’s asking about these things) show. These are, of course, things that we have talked about before (OK, maybe not the “pile” of kids thing, but the other stuff). I think he finds comfort in the consistency of my answers. That’s my theory anyway. I hope he does.
The Ex: Cancelled Plans
The ex is infamous for cancelling plans. And due to the fact that he only sees his son for four weeks out of the year at most (this year it has been one week), when he cancels plans, it is … Continue reading
A Poet in My Own Mind: “Autism”
I enjoy writing. Always have. I took a creative writing course in college and had a great deal of fun, especially with poetry. Fun does not necessarily translate into good, so I apologize in advance. I’m not the type to subject my poetry on others, but when I ran across this poem that I must have written in a desperate moment, I’m guessing about three years ago (based on the Wubbzy reference), I thought it might resonate with others going through similar desperate moments.
Autism
Short
definition:
A neurological disorder…
Long
definition:
Something not quite
right. Speech delay
Speech therapy, Occupational
therapy (hypersensitive, hyposensitive,
Gross motor – Gross like large not like
yucky, fine motor) From flashcards
to reading two years ahead
Obsess, obsess, Obsession
for months (Pizza rolls every single
night for dinner) (Wubbzy AGAIN?)
laughing, joking, never gets
old. Still no empathy.
Logical, linear, Spock-like, must
follow the rules, follow the law, follow the
schedule. No deviation, no changes, no
surprises, no fire drills or we derail.
anticipate, anticipate, anticipate
lay the clothes out, take the meds, follow the
schedule. Nothing dirty, no holes, no stains,
hide the clothes when they get too small. Still
might come back to bite you,
kick you, pull your hair, scream, cry, lie
down in the middle of the aisle
suffer the stares, the whispers, the grandma shaking her head, “Mm, mm, mm.”
(must learn that Vulcan death grip – what happens
when he gets bigger?)
What happens next? One day
One day at a time, one day
one day
Breathe, exhale and relax.
Simple. I Just Do. 