We blew in through the front door, my four children and I, after a long day out. It was already dark outside, but I still had to get dinner sorted to feed everyone before baths and bed. I dumped my handbag, and the red bag that I use to carry my sons various items of need, on the floor in the kitchen. Erik was at me already looking for head pressure. And then I spotted it; a little brown cricket on the floor in front of the fridge.
I don't know how it got in, but I thought it might amuse my son to see it jump. He liked things like that - jumping and sudden movements made by critters and people. So I brought him a little closer, nudged the cricket with my toes and said, "Look Erik! It's a cricket. Watch him jump."
The cricket did not jump. It just walked away a little bit. I nudged it again. This time it jumped. Ping! Hehe. My son, who hadn't seemed to be paying attention, suddenly knelt down on the floor and tried to pick it up. The little cricket kept crawling away from him. But he chased it down. "No bubba! Don't touch it!" I exclaimed in mild disgust. I didn't expect him to react like this! This is a kid with sensory aversions when it comes to his hands! "Don't touch it honey, just look at it. It's a cricket. It jumps." I went to nudge the cricket with my toe again. But Erik had other ideas. He went for that cricket again, and this time, he got it.
Sometimes, when my son is amused, he gets this curious smile on his face. Teeth showing and eyes squinted, and he shakes his head slightly too. He had this look now, while he waved this poor cricket up and down as thought it were flying, pinched between Erik's thumb and forefinger.
"No!" I cried, trying to slap it out of his hand. Then I paused, and thought; why worry? It's just a cricket.... it can't hurt him. My innate repulsion of bugs was just getting to me. I needed to calm down and let him explore nature. Yes. Calm down mum. It'll be 'right.
But it wasn't 'right. Just as I was trying to talk myself into this being ok, cricket still pinched in this fingers, he went for his mouth.
"NOOOOO!!" I shrieked so loud that I'm sure the neighbours must have thought something funky was going on at our house. This time, I did slap it out of his hands. Taking a deep breath, I said, "Just look at it bubba, watch it jump, ok?" But while I was speaking, he was down on the floor again trying to grab this poor traumatised cricket who was desperately making his getaway to under the fridge.
Erik reached in after it.
"No bubba!"
Erik pulls out his hand.
"No!"
Hand goes straight to his mouth and then comes down flat, no bug in it.
I can do nothing but stare in horror. A little crunching sound reaches my ears. I want to cry. I need to do something. I should reach into his mouth and pull the little critter out. But I can't. I just can't do it.
I let out a slow, horrified, panicked wail. I don't know what to do!! My flapping, panicking hands land on my face in shock. I just don't know what to do now! What if it was a spider he ate? I'd have to pull it out then! Have to! But I can't bring myself to put my fingers into his mouth and touch a wriggling, leggy, half crunched cricket.
What kind of a mother am I? I am a failure! How could I just stand there and not pull the cricket out of his mouth! My stomach is turning.
My son spins around a few times on the spot, then walks away as though nothing has happened, leaving me in a state of mortified shock. He's fine. Perfectly fine. I, on the other hand, am totally freaked out right now. I walk around in the kitchen trying to focus on dinner, but I can't. I'm too freaked. I call my husband. He laughs. I call my sister and mum, they laugh. Everyone tells me he will be ok. My brother in law who is from Uganda tells me that the kids back home love eating crickets, and do so all the time. They are nice and crunchy. I wail a bit more.
It doesn't help. I walk around in a semi-freaked out state for the 24 hours or so, and all I can think is, why? Why? Just....why? How? How is it that this kid will not eat pieces of meat or vegetables in a stir fry, or steak, or roasts, and many other delicious foods, but he will eat a CRICKET, in a heartbeat!? Why? Just....rsflkdjsoisfjdsoifjoeji.....erghh! Why??!
Next time a little cricket drops in to visit, it will promptly be shown the door, before my son can treat himself to a bug snack.
Weeks later. Still freaked.
xx
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
You Knew
To the woman who stopped to help me mid-meltdown in the supermarket...
Dear lady,
I must apologise for not knowing your name, but I never had a chance to ask. You may remember me; I was the mum in Safeway about four weeks ago crouched on the floor trying to settle a screaming child and surrounded by other children with stressed out faces. I just wanted to say thank you, so much, for what you did. You might think you didn't do anything, that you only said something, but what you said, did something for me.
You see, I could tell some things by those few words you said to me. You came over with a trolley of your own, and a small child sitting in it. (I didn't even get a chance to look closely enough to gauge how old your own child was, that's how deeply I was concentrating on managing my son). You gently but firmly touched my shoulder and said:
"Excuse me ma'am, can I do anything to help?"
The way you approached, and those simple words revealed to me that you knew. You knew what you were looking at. You knew what it meant. And you knew how to approach me. And with that only, I got a little bit of extra strength - a little bit of encouragement to be reminded that I am not alone when I experience these incidents, and that I am doing ok as a mum.
Sometimes it's hard to believe that, when you are trying to manage a screaming six year old in front of dozens of people coming and going through a main thoroughfare of a busy supermarket. I have grown a thick skin and acquired skills enough to cope with these situations - to be honest, I cope quite well when I'm in the middle of it. But it's when I come home afterwards, that I fall apart at the seams. In the middle of it, I am confident, calm, collected and clear thinking. When it hits me later, I am shattered, exhausted, discouraged and sad. Sometimes, I cry. I can easily ignore the funny looks people might give - to be honest, I don't even look to notice anymore. I just carry on caring for my son as best I can. But I'm pretty sure they are there. There are always people around who will blame me for the situation, and it's still hard not to blame myself anyway. So encouragement from a stranger really means a lot to me.
Your offer of help was both timely and appropriate. You were not judging me - you just saw a mum having a hard time and wanted to help. I'm certain you knew immediately that my son was autistic and having a meltdown for whatever reason. Even now, as I write and remember, I feel choked up inside with gratefulness, that you got it. You read the situation correctly.
I couldn't tell you what was happening at the time, and I happened to already have had the situation covered, but I'd like to offer an explanation now, even though you probably will never see this.
We had just come back from church, my four children and I, and I thought I'd pick up a few things for lunch and for school the next day. My husband was away on army training for the weekend. All we needed was bananas, apples, bread and one more thing, which I can't remember what it was now. We didn't need a trolley for those things, just a basket. Erik has been in a supermarket plenty of times. He has done the full shopping with me before - it's intense, but we can do it. He is familiar with it. But in his mind, there must always be a trolley. I tried to convince him the basket would do, but he would not have it. I persisted, not wanting to lose the battle, but it escalated quickly, and it all got too much.
At some point, I have to draw a line. It's not fair on him, and it's not fair on other patrons to the shop. I try to be strong in teaching him things, but sometimes, I have to concede the battle, you know, for the greater good. So I sent my oldest daughter around the corner with a token for a trolley. Literally, just over the barrier where I could see her. We were waiting for her to return with a trolley when you approached us. I knew that once that trolley was here, Erik would be ok. All he wanted was a trolley. Shopping is not right without a trolley. (Incidentally, I am so grateful that he doesn't insist on sitting in the baby seat anymore!)
Once we got the trolley, I had to convince Erik that it was here for him and he could sit in it if he wanted (the main part). He wasn't to be mollified immediately though, by this point he was far too upset. It took a few minutes, but I managed to convince him by hauling him up physically, and then he allowed me to lift him into the trolley. He immediately stopped crying at that point. I felt defeated, but relieved. I went around and picked up the few items I needed, and we went to the check out and back to the car. When I got home, I felt so emotionally drained, I had to lie in bed for a while. Fortunately, my husband had gotten home before us, so I was able to do that.
Your offer of help blessed me so much. Because of you, I know that the message is getting out there, or at least, I know that I am not the only one (just in case you have a child with an ASD of your own and that's how you knew what was happening). I have been lucky to have had only one truly nasty comment regarding my son, plenty of ignorant ones and a few well-meaning but annoying people trying to help in entirely the wrong way. But until you came along, had never had anyone genuinely helpful in a situation like this.
I will probably never see you again - truth be told, I can't even remember what you look like, Erik just commanded every part of my focus at the time. All I remember is that you had dark hair, were not very tall, and had a small one in the trolley seat. I just want to say thank you. And I hope, should you ever find yourself in a situation where you need the kindness of a stranger, God sends you someone just at the right moment, with the right thing to say and do to help you.
With deepest appreciation,
Vivianne.
xx
Dear lady,
I must apologise for not knowing your name, but I never had a chance to ask. You may remember me; I was the mum in Safeway about four weeks ago crouched on the floor trying to settle a screaming child and surrounded by other children with stressed out faces. I just wanted to say thank you, so much, for what you did. You might think you didn't do anything, that you only said something, but what you said, did something for me.
You see, I could tell some things by those few words you said to me. You came over with a trolley of your own, and a small child sitting in it. (I didn't even get a chance to look closely enough to gauge how old your own child was, that's how deeply I was concentrating on managing my son). You gently but firmly touched my shoulder and said:
"Excuse me ma'am, can I do anything to help?"
The way you approached, and those simple words revealed to me that you knew. You knew what you were looking at. You knew what it meant. And you knew how to approach me. And with that only, I got a little bit of extra strength - a little bit of encouragement to be reminded that I am not alone when I experience these incidents, and that I am doing ok as a mum.
Sometimes it's hard to believe that, when you are trying to manage a screaming six year old in front of dozens of people coming and going through a main thoroughfare of a busy supermarket. I have grown a thick skin and acquired skills enough to cope with these situations - to be honest, I cope quite well when I'm in the middle of it. But it's when I come home afterwards, that I fall apart at the seams. In the middle of it, I am confident, calm, collected and clear thinking. When it hits me later, I am shattered, exhausted, discouraged and sad. Sometimes, I cry. I can easily ignore the funny looks people might give - to be honest, I don't even look to notice anymore. I just carry on caring for my son as best I can. But I'm pretty sure they are there. There are always people around who will blame me for the situation, and it's still hard not to blame myself anyway. So encouragement from a stranger really means a lot to me.
Your offer of help was both timely and appropriate. You were not judging me - you just saw a mum having a hard time and wanted to help. I'm certain you knew immediately that my son was autistic and having a meltdown for whatever reason. Even now, as I write and remember, I feel choked up inside with gratefulness, that you got it. You read the situation correctly.
I couldn't tell you what was happening at the time, and I happened to already have had the situation covered, but I'd like to offer an explanation now, even though you probably will never see this.
We had just come back from church, my four children and I, and I thought I'd pick up a few things for lunch and for school the next day. My husband was away on army training for the weekend. All we needed was bananas, apples, bread and one more thing, which I can't remember what it was now. We didn't need a trolley for those things, just a basket. Erik has been in a supermarket plenty of times. He has done the full shopping with me before - it's intense, but we can do it. He is familiar with it. But in his mind, there must always be a trolley. I tried to convince him the basket would do, but he would not have it. I persisted, not wanting to lose the battle, but it escalated quickly, and it all got too much.
At some point, I have to draw a line. It's not fair on him, and it's not fair on other patrons to the shop. I try to be strong in teaching him things, but sometimes, I have to concede the battle, you know, for the greater good. So I sent my oldest daughter around the corner with a token for a trolley. Literally, just over the barrier where I could see her. We were waiting for her to return with a trolley when you approached us. I knew that once that trolley was here, Erik would be ok. All he wanted was a trolley. Shopping is not right without a trolley. (Incidentally, I am so grateful that he doesn't insist on sitting in the baby seat anymore!)
Once we got the trolley, I had to convince Erik that it was here for him and he could sit in it if he wanted (the main part). He wasn't to be mollified immediately though, by this point he was far too upset. It took a few minutes, but I managed to convince him by hauling him up physically, and then he allowed me to lift him into the trolley. He immediately stopped crying at that point. I felt defeated, but relieved. I went around and picked up the few items I needed, and we went to the check out and back to the car. When I got home, I felt so emotionally drained, I had to lie in bed for a while. Fortunately, my husband had gotten home before us, so I was able to do that.
Your offer of help blessed me so much. Because of you, I know that the message is getting out there, or at least, I know that I am not the only one (just in case you have a child with an ASD of your own and that's how you knew what was happening). I have been lucky to have had only one truly nasty comment regarding my son, plenty of ignorant ones and a few well-meaning but annoying people trying to help in entirely the wrong way. But until you came along, had never had anyone genuinely helpful in a situation like this.
I will probably never see you again - truth be told, I can't even remember what you look like, Erik just commanded every part of my focus at the time. All I remember is that you had dark hair, were not very tall, and had a small one in the trolley seat. I just want to say thank you. And I hope, should you ever find yourself in a situation where you need the kindness of a stranger, God sends you someone just at the right moment, with the right thing to say and do to help you.
With deepest appreciation,
Vivianne.
xx
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Four Year Anniversary And An Old Post
Today, this blog has been going for four years. I remember starting this blog after perusing other blogs, (most of which have not been active for a while now), and thinking it was a good way to make sense of what was happening in my life at the time. If you look at the first post I ever wrote, I talked about how we have just found out that Erik is very likely to be somewhere on the ASD spectrum, but no formal diagnosis as yet. At the time, I didn't want to limit my writing to just being about Autism, so I left the subject matter open to whatever I felt that I needed to jot down. In the early days, that included a lot of your typical motherhood stuff: Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, trying to cope with all the things I had to juggle when the children were smaller, as well as my blossoming passion for baking and cake decorating. Somewhere in the middle of all the craziness, I recognised that we, as a family, were beginning an important journey. Something pivotal was happening in our lives, and things were about to change forever. Of course, I am referring to Erik's diagnosis. I am so glad I was able to recognise this, and so glad I took the time, where I could, to write stuff down. Nowadays, the focus is more on this journey rather than the other things I began with. I guess that's how these things evolve.
So, I began blogging before Erik had a diagnosis. All I had in the beginning, was the confirmation that something was not right with my son. The most likely explanation was Autism, but nothing was guaranteed, formally acknowledged or investigated. So really, this blog has followed that journey from the outset. I have learned so much about myself in this time, and various elements of the journey have become clearer. I know I have said this before, but I truly never expected to be here, now. This adventure continues to surprise me - in good ways and bad - and I find myself often having to find reserves of strength and mental resolve to get through. When I look back, I am amazed, absolutely amazed at where I am. Never in a million years did I think I could cope with the things we have been through. But I did. We did. And we are still here, going strong. My God has not left me once during that time, even when I thought I was completely alone. Looking back, I can clearly see the hand of the Father upon my life. And I know that were it not for His grace, there is no way I could have come through this the person I am today. I have been unfaithful to Him, but He has been always faithful to me. This blows my mind and humbles me.
I want to re-share a post that I wrote in March of 2011. I wrote this about one year after the formal diagnosis, and less than two years after the actual events. This post details the feelings and reactions that surround the day I was told, for the very first time, that something was wrong with my son. There are earlier posts that talk about what I was feeling and going through as it happened, but being a reflective person, it usually takes a while before I can really process and recognise exactly what is going on. Things often don't sink in enough for me to make sense of it right when it happens. But this post, this one here, really details where it all started. If you want to read it later or at the original source, here is the link. But if you care to read it now or can't be bothered clicking the link, I've copied and pasted it in this post for you.
It is longish. You might want to grab a coffee. And maybe some chocolate :)
xx
Retrospect Part 1: Unexpected News.
Burned into my memory forever... a day I will never forget as long as I live...
"Does he look at you when you call him?"
"Well, no, not really. But I think that's because he doesn't know his name yet".
"Oh! Doesn't he recognise his name?"
"Um, I'm not sure. But we call him 'Mr Man' all the time anyway... maybe that's why."
"Oh, ok! Does he respond to that then?"
*Pause; Think*. "Well....no, not really"
"Ok. ... And how many words do you think he says?"
"Oh, he says maybe.... um....3 or 4 I think?"
"No more than that? Ok, that's ok. What are they?"
"Um... come to think of it, I can't recall what they are specifically now". *Chuckle; Pause; Think*."Now that you mention it, I can't really think of any. - Oh, he said 'Leila' the other day! We were all at the dinner table, and I was calling out the girls' names to try and get him to learn them. And he said 'Laay-lahh' just the same as we said it"
"Oh, ok good! And has he said it much after that?"
"Well, no, he hasn't said it at all since then."
"Oh, ok. And you can't think of any other words he says? Anything at all? Even sounds for things? Maybe 'ba' for ball or something?"
"No. Ohh... he says 'this' and 'that'. He says them alot!"
"...'This' and 'that'....", she writes in her notes.
"Yeah, it's cute. He goes 'dsss dsss' 'dsss datt'". I am feeling a bit better now. She looks up at me....
"Good! And does he say them when he points at things? ... Or when you point at things?"
"Ah...no. He just sort of says it as he walks around. He never looks when I point actually."Embarrassed again.
"Oh. Ok."
Basically, she became more and more surprised at his lack of development. At that age, he should have been saying around 5 words. If no words, then he should have been understanding simple commands at least, like 'get your shoes' etc. But he didn't. He wasn't pointing or using gestures. He didn't look when I pointed at something to show him. He wasn't climbing up and down chairs or the couch. He wasn't taking his own shoes and socks off. Wasn't using a spoon, and was only using a sippy cup. Didn't point to his eyes, nose, etc. Could not scribble - wouldn't even hold a crayon. Turned pages in a book, but would not point at pictures or listen to a story.
In fact, all he would usually do, was walk around. Just walk around. He hardly played with his toys, and when he did, it was the same ones and he wasn't rowdy. He preferred to do a simple puzzle or sort shapes. He never played with his trucks and cars. He had a little train that he adored though. It popped balls out around it's top and drove around with music. He would pop balls into it and watch them come back out for ages. He never pretended to make me a cup of tea, eat food, or talk on the phone. I argued that he hadn't really watched me do those things, so maybe that's why he didn't learn? His eye contact was there, but it was fleeting. He didn't really respond to his name. The list went on.
I began to feel as though I had neglected my son very badly. Why hadn't I taken the time to teach him this stuff?
At the time, it never occurred to me that I didn't exactly sit down and 'teach' this stuff to my daughters.... they just did it. They simply learned by watching and imitating me. This was confirmed to me just the other day when we found the Baby Miss (16 months now) shuffling around on her bottom and babbling into a toy phone. Out of all my children, I have spent the least amount of time with her, and I certainly never sat down to specifically show her what I do when I use the telephone. She just watched and noticed and learned. My son, on the other hand, didn't even pay attention.
We moved on to the physical checks.... height - in the 90th percentile; weight - also in the 90th percentile; head circumference - completely off the charts! He was a big boy for his age. He was going to be tall and solid, like his papa... I was so proud. He was upset for the whole thing, and when we came to weigh him, we couldn't keep him on the scales, he was that upset. I sang a song from one of his favourite dvd's to distract him. The nurse thought that was clever. The dental check was fine, but he dribbled alot... and I mean alot. So much so, that I still had to keep a bib on him all the time. Must be a boy thing, I thought.
We came back to the desk to chat. Very gently, the nurse told me that my son was not meeting enough milestones, and it was a matter of concern. She said that there were early signs of autism, and that he would have to be closely monitored. She showed me the autism/developmental delay checklist given to all nurses and pointed out all the places where he was meeting the criteria. She strongly suggested I see a paediatrician. She told me it was entirely up to me, but that it would be good, even if just to rule out autism or anything else. All the while, I smiled and nodded. I was completely unconcerned. I thought:This lady is a bit paranoid I think. Every child is different and develops at different rates. Surely he is just being a boy - he's different to the girls. I was completely unruffled, but I like to be informed and I like to know stuff. So I agreed to a referral for a paedie check.
I went home thinking I had interesting news for my husband. I hoped he would not freak out. I was still unconcerned, but thoughtful now. Very thoughtful. I kept thinking about that checklist. All afternoon, I would glance at my son, and wonder... shake my head... go back to what I was doing... glance at him again.
I didn't realise at the time, but something changed that afternoon. I began to look at my son differently, I could not help it. This was a pivotal point in my journey.
With everything he did, I wondered; Is this normal toddler behaviour, or an autistic thing? When my husband came home that night, my SIL also came over for a quick visit. I broke the news to them very offhandedly ... I think on the surface, I still wasn't too concerned, although my mood had settled into a deep and quiet melancholy. After all the children were in bed that night, the three of us were in the lounge room just talking. My hubby and his sister began talking about what the nurse had said. My SIL worked in an autism specific school, and had been there for quite some time before our little man was even born. Coincidence? Providence? I don't know. They discussed my son's symptoms and compared him with other autistic children. It was just a discussion, something to be fully expected when information like this is presented to you about your child. Discussion happens, and must happen if we are to remain in a healthy emotional state.
I sat quietly, listening, but not participating. Inside, my emotions began to roil. I became angry, very angry at what they were saying. They were discussing this as if the boy had already been diagnosed. I was livid. I sat quietly, trying to control my ire. All I wanted to do was slap them both and tell them to shut up. Just shut up! Don't you realise this is my son you are talking about? You're talking like he has autism for sure, but we don't know anything yet!! I was so mad, I felt sick. Fortunately, sensibility dominated my anger, and I didn't say anything. They weren't actually doing anything wrong, it was just the thoughts of the day all beginning to settle in for me. I'd had all day to ponder this, while they had only just been informed. I excused myself and went to my room.
I cried myself to sleep that night. I wept and wept and wept. I felt sick inside. I could not sleep properly all night. Every time I woke up, I would think about it and feel sick. Several times, I went into my sons room, just to stare at him while he slept, weeping, and praying. Please God, please.... this can't be happening. She has to be wrong.... she has to be!
Looking back on that day, I can see how the idea that something was wrong with my son took a bit of time to sink in, but when it did, my perspective of him changed forever. I was grieving. It was horrible not knowing, and just wondering all the time - is this a normal thing or is it an autistic thing? It was traumatic, the way I would swing from; No, he can't have it - look what he's doing? Autistic kids don't do that, do they? to; He's got it for sure... oh dear God, he's got it for sure. It was grief, and the thing that broke my heart the most, was that no matter the outcome, I will never be able to look at my son the same way again. Oh, he was still my son - and he always would be no matter what. But he was no longer the son I thought he was. I lost something that day.... the innocent expectation of a normal life for him, and for us. It was most definitely grief.
I felt gutted, shattered, lost, confused, vulnerable, afraid, angry, depressed. I was a mess.
The next day, my son decided to climb up and sit on the couch. He did this right in front of me. I was over the moon. No! He's fine! He just doesn't do things until he's sure he can do it, then he just up and does it! The nurse rang me that day to see how I was doing and to let me know she had sent a referral off for a paedie appointment. It would be four months before I could get in to see her. I told her about the couch incident, and she was pleased. "Good!", she said, "lets hope he picks up a crayon and starts drawing next!" He didn't.
The next four months were among the most traumatic of my life. Waiting was torture. But I put away my impatience, and resolved to spend more time with my son to build those skills into him that I had obviously failed to do before.
I still cried. Alot. In private. My husband didn't seem perturbed, so I didn't want to burden him with my emotional breakdown. I tried to keep it to myself. In a way, I felt like my life just stood still at that time. But life never does. It went on. And so did I....
xx
 |
| Look how far we've come already! Mr Man is 6 years old, and this photo was taken at a restaurant (!!). Of course, he was shoved in the furthest corner with the wall on one side and mum on the other, and he still managed to escape a couple of times past the row of people down the length of the table :) But still... a restaurant! Whoopee! |
So, I began blogging before Erik had a diagnosis. All I had in the beginning, was the confirmation that something was not right with my son. The most likely explanation was Autism, but nothing was guaranteed, formally acknowledged or investigated. So really, this blog has followed that journey from the outset. I have learned so much about myself in this time, and various elements of the journey have become clearer. I know I have said this before, but I truly never expected to be here, now. This adventure continues to surprise me - in good ways and bad - and I find myself often having to find reserves of strength and mental resolve to get through. When I look back, I am amazed, absolutely amazed at where I am. Never in a million years did I think I could cope with the things we have been through. But I did. We did. And we are still here, going strong. My God has not left me once during that time, even when I thought I was completely alone. Looking back, I can clearly see the hand of the Father upon my life. And I know that were it not for His grace, there is no way I could have come through this the person I am today. I have been unfaithful to Him, but He has been always faithful to me. This blows my mind and humbles me.
I want to re-share a post that I wrote in March of 2011. I wrote this about one year after the formal diagnosis, and less than two years after the actual events. This post details the feelings and reactions that surround the day I was told, for the very first time, that something was wrong with my son. There are earlier posts that talk about what I was feeling and going through as it happened, but being a reflective person, it usually takes a while before I can really process and recognise exactly what is going on. Things often don't sink in enough for me to make sense of it right when it happens. But this post, this one here, really details where it all started. If you want to read it later or at the original source, here is the link. But if you care to read it now or can't be bothered clicking the link, I've copied and pasted it in this post for you.
It is longish. You might want to grab a coffee. And maybe some chocolate :)
xx
Retrospect Part 1: Unexpected News.
Burned into my memory forever... a day I will never forget as long as I live...
The day dawned bright and warm with a sweet cool breeze on the day I took my son to his routine 18 month MCH check. I felt a bit guilty because it was actually several weeks too late.... he was already 20.5 months old. Oh well, better late than never - right? Once inside the office, we started going through the regular stuff.... only this time, it wasn't so regular. My answers to her questions were not "Oh yes, he is doing that"; they were more like "Um... I don't really know". At first, she didn't show too much concern. Just quiet nods and a gentle "ok" was the nurse's response. I started to feel a bit embarrassed about my answers. I couldn't definitively say yes to anything, really. I felt stupid, or worse - neglectful - like I didn't know my own son....
"Does he look at you when you call him?"
"Well, no, not really. But I think that's because he doesn't know his name yet".
"Oh! Doesn't he recognise his name?"
"Um, I'm not sure. But we call him 'Mr Man' all the time anyway... maybe that's why."
"Oh, ok! Does he respond to that then?"
*Pause; Think*. "Well....no, not really"
"Ok. ... And how many words do you think he says?"
"Oh, he says maybe.... um....3 or 4 I think?"
"No more than that? Ok, that's ok. What are they?"
"Um... come to think of it, I can't recall what they are specifically now". *Chuckle; Pause; Think*."Now that you mention it, I can't really think of any. - Oh, he said 'Leila' the other day! We were all at the dinner table, and I was calling out the girls' names to try and get him to learn them. And he said 'Laay-lahh' just the same as we said it"
"Oh, ok good! And has he said it much after that?"
"Well, no, he hasn't said it at all since then."
"Oh, ok. And you can't think of any other words he says? Anything at all? Even sounds for things? Maybe 'ba' for ball or something?"
"No. Ohh... he says 'this' and 'that'. He says them alot!"
"...'This' and 'that'....", she writes in her notes.
"Yeah, it's cute. He goes 'dsss dsss' 'dsss datt'". I am feeling a bit better now. She looks up at me....
"Good! And does he say them when he points at things? ... Or when you point at things?"
"Ah...no. He just sort of says it as he walks around. He never looks when I point actually."Embarrassed again.
"Oh. Ok."
Basically, she became more and more surprised at his lack of development. At that age, he should have been saying around 5 words. If no words, then he should have been understanding simple commands at least, like 'get your shoes' etc. But he didn't. He wasn't pointing or using gestures. He didn't look when I pointed at something to show him. He wasn't climbing up and down chairs or the couch. He wasn't taking his own shoes and socks off. Wasn't using a spoon, and was only using a sippy cup. Didn't point to his eyes, nose, etc. Could not scribble - wouldn't even hold a crayon. Turned pages in a book, but would not point at pictures or listen to a story.
In fact, all he would usually do, was walk around. Just walk around. He hardly played with his toys, and when he did, it was the same ones and he wasn't rowdy. He preferred to do a simple puzzle or sort shapes. He never played with his trucks and cars. He had a little train that he adored though. It popped balls out around it's top and drove around with music. He would pop balls into it and watch them come back out for ages. He never pretended to make me a cup of tea, eat food, or talk on the phone. I argued that he hadn't really watched me do those things, so maybe that's why he didn't learn? His eye contact was there, but it was fleeting. He didn't really respond to his name. The list went on.
I began to feel as though I had neglected my son very badly. Why hadn't I taken the time to teach him this stuff?
At the time, it never occurred to me that I didn't exactly sit down and 'teach' this stuff to my daughters.... they just did it. They simply learned by watching and imitating me. This was confirmed to me just the other day when we found the Baby Miss (16 months now) shuffling around on her bottom and babbling into a toy phone. Out of all my children, I have spent the least amount of time with her, and I certainly never sat down to specifically show her what I do when I use the telephone. She just watched and noticed and learned. My son, on the other hand, didn't even pay attention.
We moved on to the physical checks.... height - in the 90th percentile; weight - also in the 90th percentile; head circumference - completely off the charts! He was a big boy for his age. He was going to be tall and solid, like his papa... I was so proud. He was upset for the whole thing, and when we came to weigh him, we couldn't keep him on the scales, he was that upset. I sang a song from one of his favourite dvd's to distract him. The nurse thought that was clever. The dental check was fine, but he dribbled alot... and I mean alot. So much so, that I still had to keep a bib on him all the time. Must be a boy thing, I thought.
We came back to the desk to chat. Very gently, the nurse told me that my son was not meeting enough milestones, and it was a matter of concern. She said that there were early signs of autism, and that he would have to be closely monitored. She showed me the autism/developmental delay checklist given to all nurses and pointed out all the places where he was meeting the criteria. She strongly suggested I see a paediatrician. She told me it was entirely up to me, but that it would be good, even if just to rule out autism or anything else. All the while, I smiled and nodded. I was completely unconcerned. I thought:This lady is a bit paranoid I think. Every child is different and develops at different rates. Surely he is just being a boy - he's different to the girls. I was completely unruffled, but I like to be informed and I like to know stuff. So I agreed to a referral for a paedie check.
I went home thinking I had interesting news for my husband. I hoped he would not freak out. I was still unconcerned, but thoughtful now. Very thoughtful. I kept thinking about that checklist. All afternoon, I would glance at my son, and wonder... shake my head... go back to what I was doing... glance at him again.
I didn't realise at the time, but something changed that afternoon. I began to look at my son differently, I could not help it. This was a pivotal point in my journey.
With everything he did, I wondered; Is this normal toddler behaviour, or an autistic thing? When my husband came home that night, my SIL also came over for a quick visit. I broke the news to them very offhandedly ... I think on the surface, I still wasn't too concerned, although my mood had settled into a deep and quiet melancholy. After all the children were in bed that night, the three of us were in the lounge room just talking. My hubby and his sister began talking about what the nurse had said. My SIL worked in an autism specific school, and had been there for quite some time before our little man was even born. Coincidence? Providence? I don't know. They discussed my son's symptoms and compared him with other autistic children. It was just a discussion, something to be fully expected when information like this is presented to you about your child. Discussion happens, and must happen if we are to remain in a healthy emotional state.
I sat quietly, listening, but not participating. Inside, my emotions began to roil. I became angry, very angry at what they were saying. They were discussing this as if the boy had already been diagnosed. I was livid. I sat quietly, trying to control my ire. All I wanted to do was slap them both and tell them to shut up. Just shut up! Don't you realise this is my son you are talking about? You're talking like he has autism for sure, but we don't know anything yet!! I was so mad, I felt sick. Fortunately, sensibility dominated my anger, and I didn't say anything. They weren't actually doing anything wrong, it was just the thoughts of the day all beginning to settle in for me. I'd had all day to ponder this, while they had only just been informed. I excused myself and went to my room.
I cried myself to sleep that night. I wept and wept and wept. I felt sick inside. I could not sleep properly all night. Every time I woke up, I would think about it and feel sick. Several times, I went into my sons room, just to stare at him while he slept, weeping, and praying. Please God, please.... this can't be happening. She has to be wrong.... she has to be!
Looking back on that day, I can see how the idea that something was wrong with my son took a bit of time to sink in, but when it did, my perspective of him changed forever. I was grieving. It was horrible not knowing, and just wondering all the time - is this a normal thing or is it an autistic thing? It was traumatic, the way I would swing from; No, he can't have it - look what he's doing? Autistic kids don't do that, do they? to; He's got it for sure... oh dear God, he's got it for sure. It was grief, and the thing that broke my heart the most, was that no matter the outcome, I will never be able to look at my son the same way again. Oh, he was still my son - and he always would be no matter what. But he was no longer the son I thought he was. I lost something that day.... the innocent expectation of a normal life for him, and for us. It was most definitely grief.
I felt gutted, shattered, lost, confused, vulnerable, afraid, angry, depressed. I was a mess.
The next day, my son decided to climb up and sit on the couch. He did this right in front of me. I was over the moon. No! He's fine! He just doesn't do things until he's sure he can do it, then he just up and does it! The nurse rang me that day to see how I was doing and to let me know she had sent a referral off for a paedie appointment. It would be four months before I could get in to see her. I told her about the couch incident, and she was pleased. "Good!", she said, "lets hope he picks up a crayon and starts drawing next!" He didn't.
The next four months were among the most traumatic of my life. Waiting was torture. But I put away my impatience, and resolved to spend more time with my son to build those skills into him that I had obviously failed to do before.
I still cried. Alot. In private. My husband didn't seem perturbed, so I didn't want to burden him with my emotional breakdown. I tried to keep it to myself. In a way, I felt like my life just stood still at that time. But life never does. It went on. And so did I....
xx
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Understanding
Erik is the third of four children. He has two older sisters, and one younger. When he was born, my older girls were five and 3.5 yrs. The little one was born when Erik was two. Erik was diagnosed properly sometime around 2.5 years old, but we knew something was up when he was 21 months. So I was already pregnant with Baby Miss at the time. I hope this is not too confusing... the timeline might help paint a clearer picture...
----> Erik born: Big Miss - almost 5 yrs; Miss Jane - 3.5 yrs
----> 21 months: MCH points out that something is wrong. Already 18 wks pregnant with Baby Miss.
----> 2 yrs 1.5 months: Baby Miss is born; Big Miss - almost 7 yrs; Miss Jane - 5.5 yrs.
----> 2 yrs 7 months: Formal diagnosis received. Big Miss - 7 yrs, Miss Jane - 6 yrs, Baby Miss - 5.5 ms.
----> Presently: Big Miss -11.5 yrs; Miss Jane - 10 yrs; Mr Man - 6.5 yrs; Baby Miss - 4.5 yrs.
...or it might just add to the confusion!
Anyway, sometime along the way, the older girls came to understand that their little brother had Autism. At some point, they grew into a realisation of what that actually meant. I don't know when this happened, and I don't really know how this happened either. I guess it was just a journey in getting to know him, as you would with any new baby.
 |
| Erik's first birthday. Well before we had any idea that something was amiss, but the signs were already there. |
At times, I still feel sad for them, because they were so excited about a new sibling. They were old enough to understand how cute babies are, how they cry and sleep, how they learn to eat and babble and walk. But they didn't get much of this with Erik. He hardly responded to them, and so, although they loved him, they didn't interact with him as much as I expected. But they were ok, they had each other. I just felt sad because I felt that they missed out on all those wonderful things that happen when a baby enters the family.
But then, Baby Miss came along. The girls were older again - seven and nearly six respectively - and everything we had hoped for but not found in Erik, we found in Isobelle. The girls adored her. There was cuddles and giggles and sharing of toys. There was feeding and snuggles and delight at her cute antics. It was just so different to Erik. So terribly bittersweet.
 |
| This is what you get when you get a 7 year old to feed a 7 month old. |
 |
| Always loved hugs with her big sister. |
"Bye 'Sha, bye 'La" ...but my sweet boy is more interested in trying to lick his jacket.
Baby Miss was like a balm to my soul after the pain and grief of an AD diagnosis. We watched her like a Hawk: Is she responding? Is there shared attention? Smiles? Reaching? Babbling? Interest in family? Pretend play? Imitation? She was a delight, but my heart was already changed after Erik's diagnosis. It was so hard to just relax and enjoy my baby, even though I tried not to fret.
Baby Miss is 4.5 now. She is the only one here who came into the family with an awareness of special needs already present among us. It is all completely normal for her, from day one, and she doesn't know any different. But she does have trouble understanding some things...
To a four year old, bigger kids are smarter. They are more capable. They do cool stuff - you want to be like them! Baby Miss adores her sisters, she really idolises them. She adores her brother too, but struggles to understand why, when she copies him, she gets into trouble but he doesn't. Why is it that she gets in trouble when she stands on the table, but for Erik, we just quietly get him down? Why is it that she gets in trouble if she gets out of bed to play, but we just quietly put Erik back? Why is it that she is often left to manage eating her dinner by herself when she is tired, when Erik is tended to very closely? It's not fair! She is little and needs help! She gets that he cannot speak or use the toilet, but she doesn't understand why. She just can't seem to understand, that he doesn't understand a lot of stuff.
The older girls from time to time have struggled with this too; that Erik seems to get away with so much, where they would have got into trouble. It hurts them that mum can't do much to defend them when he is being annoying, and that they have to be patient of his more frustrating characteristics. To be made to endure such injustices is a big thing to ask of children, even if they do have the capacity to understand why. It is hard for them, and my heart breaks over the whole situation.
 |
| Trying to see the dinosaur display at our local shopping centre, but Erik was screaming and crying the whole time, because he wanted to visit the playground instead. It was a frustrating day, but my girls are still smiling and trying to comfort their brother. |
I know that out of this, they are learning patience, tolerance, grace and insight to the peculiar workings around special needs. But oh, it is a hard lesson for them to be learning. One day, it will all become clearer to them, and I trust that they won't hold these occasions against me. I sometimes console myself by looking to the future, and knowing that I will have strong and caring daughters, who are not perturbed or intimidated by people who look or behave differently; resilient young women who already have the advantage of a skill-set unique to those who experience life with special needs.
And eventually, I'm sure that Baby Miss will get it too. But in her very sweet four-year-old mind, all she knows right now is that "Erik doesn't learn things very easily" - her words to one of her dad's Army colleagues. And I find that for all that she doesn't understand, she seems to have a rather decent grasp on the situation overall.
xx
PS: I know I don't have a great deal of readers to this blog, and that's ok. But if you or someone you know can share how your kids came to learn about their siblings' Autism, I would love to hear about it!
Thursday, February 20, 2014
A Stranger In The Waiting Room
A couple of weeks ago, I was out in the waiting room of a clinic, waiting for our appointment with the doctor. Nothing serious, I just needed him to check a bump on the Baby Miss's head. She had a nasty fall last November, and although the lump healed well enough, I noticed that I could feel a small bump under her skin and was worried. Turns out it is nothing but scar tissue and won't get any bigger or cause any problems.
Anyway, Baby Miss made herself busy playing with the activities provided there, as I sat down to wait. Almost immediately, I noticed a young man who was sitting opposite me and to the left. My heart caught in my throat as I looked at him. He reminded me so much of my son. So much. It was like seeing a vision of the future.
This young man stood out from everyone else, to me at least. He was quite tall, I could tell that even with him sitting. He looked somewhere between 18 and 22 years old. The clothes he was wearing, were not the sort of thing you would expect to see on young adults these days. Clean, but worn and very basic in design. Black trackpants with double white stripes down the sides - a little too short for him, and a plain light blue t-shirt. Short socks and runners. His hair was not styled in any particular way, it was just a normal sort of cut. Kind of curly. Not short in the strictest sense, but certainly not long either. Even if he were from a financially struggling background, you would not expect to see a young person so plainly dressed.
But more than his attire, it was his demeanour - his manner - that captured me.
The way he sat, the way he moved his hands and placed his fingers, the way he looked around. The slackness around his cheeks. And the occasional smile and talking to himself quietly. To me, he was very sweet to look at.
Now, I can't say for sure, and I certainly don't wish to offend anyone by assuming anything; but I would have loved to know if this young man was autistic. Desperate to know, actually. There was just something about him that struck me so. I wanted very much to go over and ask. And if he answered 'yes', I wanted to ask a million things more:
When did you learn to use the toilet? If it took you a long time to learn, what went through your mind in regards to it?
Did you ever abscond from parents/home/teacher/carer? If so, what were you thinking!?
Can you drive?
Do you work?
Can you write?
Can you cross the road by yourself?
Do you shave yourself or does someone help you?
Can you brush your teeth? Oooh! - do you go to the dentist?
Oh, so many personal and terribly inappropriate questions, I wanted to ask! But instead, I sat quietly (well, as quietly as I could with a sparkly four-year-old!), and entertained my daughter as we waited for our turn with the doctor.
Finally we were called in, and I took the Baby Miss and left the waiting room.
I often think about what things will be like as my son gets older; How he will look, if he will be able to speak, who will shave him or shower him as the case may be, what he will do with his life, what we will do with ours. I don't worry about it, and I try not to dwell on it. But it would be remiss of me as a parent if I did not think of the future ever and try to make plans for our lives. I have no idea what will become of us. None whatsoever. I can only hope that my son is happy and fulfilled in his life, whatever he chooses to do (or we choose for him if he cannot). I can only hope that as he grows up and my husband and I grow older, that he is able to take on more of his own care and live an independent life. I can only hope that when we are gone, he will be ok. Of course he will always have his sisters to help and care for him, but I would rather them not have to become his 'carer' as such. I already know they would not mind - they love him so much. But they deserve to be able to chase their own dreams and make their own lives without having to shoulder that responsibility. And whatever happens, I know that God's got him. He will never leave him. And should any disaster befall, I know that my son won't be autistic in heaven anyway. None of that will matter up there.
In truth, I know absolutely nothing about this young man who struck me so profoundly. Nothing at all. But seeing him certainly evoked the vision of a potential future for my son. I don't think I will forget this stranger for a very long time.
xx
Anyway, Baby Miss made herself busy playing with the activities provided there, as I sat down to wait. Almost immediately, I noticed a young man who was sitting opposite me and to the left. My heart caught in my throat as I looked at him. He reminded me so much of my son. So much. It was like seeing a vision of the future.
This young man stood out from everyone else, to me at least. He was quite tall, I could tell that even with him sitting. He looked somewhere between 18 and 22 years old. The clothes he was wearing, were not the sort of thing you would expect to see on young adults these days. Clean, but worn and very basic in design. Black trackpants with double white stripes down the sides - a little too short for him, and a plain light blue t-shirt. Short socks and runners. His hair was not styled in any particular way, it was just a normal sort of cut. Kind of curly. Not short in the strictest sense, but certainly not long either. Even if he were from a financially struggling background, you would not expect to see a young person so plainly dressed.
But more than his attire, it was his demeanour - his manner - that captured me.
The way he sat, the way he moved his hands and placed his fingers, the way he looked around. The slackness around his cheeks. And the occasional smile and talking to himself quietly. To me, he was very sweet to look at.
Now, I can't say for sure, and I certainly don't wish to offend anyone by assuming anything; but I would have loved to know if this young man was autistic. Desperate to know, actually. There was just something about him that struck me so. I wanted very much to go over and ask. And if he answered 'yes', I wanted to ask a million things more:
When did you learn to use the toilet? If it took you a long time to learn, what went through your mind in regards to it?
Did you ever abscond from parents/home/teacher/carer? If so, what were you thinking!?
Can you drive?
Do you work?
Can you write?
Can you cross the road by yourself?
Do you shave yourself or does someone help you?
Can you brush your teeth? Oooh! - do you go to the dentist?
Oh, so many personal and terribly inappropriate questions, I wanted to ask! But instead, I sat quietly (well, as quietly as I could with a sparkly four-year-old!), and entertained my daughter as we waited for our turn with the doctor.
Finally we were called in, and I took the Baby Miss and left the waiting room.
I often think about what things will be like as my son gets older; How he will look, if he will be able to speak, who will shave him or shower him as the case may be, what he will do with his life, what we will do with ours. I don't worry about it, and I try not to dwell on it. But it would be remiss of me as a parent if I did not think of the future ever and try to make plans for our lives. I have no idea what will become of us. None whatsoever. I can only hope that my son is happy and fulfilled in his life, whatever he chooses to do (or we choose for him if he cannot). I can only hope that as he grows up and my husband and I grow older, that he is able to take on more of his own care and live an independent life. I can only hope that when we are gone, he will be ok. Of course he will always have his sisters to help and care for him, but I would rather them not have to become his 'carer' as such. I already know they would not mind - they love him so much. But they deserve to be able to chase their own dreams and make their own lives without having to shoulder that responsibility. And whatever happens, I know that God's got him. He will never leave him. And should any disaster befall, I know that my son won't be autistic in heaven anyway. None of that will matter up there.
In truth, I know absolutely nothing about this young man who struck me so profoundly. Nothing at all. But seeing him certainly evoked the vision of a potential future for my son. I don't think I will forget this stranger for a very long time.
xx
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
I Want To Tell You...
Dear Erik,
You blew my mind yesterday son, did you know that? I bet you didn't, because I didn't really express my excitement as much as I wanted to. I worry about freaking you out a little bit with an overreaction, so I tend to keep a reign on my excitement when you do something awesome. I tell you quietly and privately that that thing you did was very good, when really what I want to do is jump up and down like a maniac, and whoop and holler to the whole world.
Yesterday, two things happened that made me smile and reminded me of the inextinguishable little flame of hope inside me; that one day, I will hear you speak proper and true.
The first thing, I wasn't even there for. I heard it from your aunty, who works at your school, but I believe every word anyway. There was a change in the buses at school and you were to take a different bus home. Different bus, but same route. You were the kid who flipped out over having a different bus. You were the one screaming and fighting and trying to run off. While it breaks my heart to know that you were so distressed over the changes, your aunty tells me that you said something to all those people who were trying to convince you to get on that bus:
"No! No! Wrong bus!" You cried.
When I heard about this, it took my breath away, son. You, finding those perfectly appropriate words and speaking them out in a perfectly appropriate situation, has left me speechless. And I still can't find the words to express how I feel, knowing you. said. that!
You escaped the grip of the teachers and aides around you and ran to your aunty, whom you recognised among the group of people around, and threw yourself into her. This too blows my mind honey; You went to the most familiar face for help and comfort! And yes, she was able to get you calmly on to that bus. By the way, I have to say, you still didn't look too impressed about the whole situation when I picked you up. Cutie. But oh, my darling, if you only knew how much those words mean to me. You said that; you really said that! Amazing!
The other thing that happened was at dinner that same night. We have had a different flavour of cordial lately, and you decided it is the wrong colour and you would not drink it. So earlier that day I bought you the flavour/colour that is familiar to you, and made up a small jug of cordial just for you, so you didn't have to have water when the rest of us had cordial at the dinner table. You babbled a few things, and then asked for 'poodiyoh' as we have been practicing lately. But when I reached for the little jug instead of the usual one your cordial is served in, you quietly but clearly said; "I don't want that", and made me put it down again.
Your aunty happened to drop by and had stayed for dinner with us, and you should have seen her face. It reflected just exactly what I felt inside; gobsmacked, delighted surprise. But instead, I responded to you as I might respond to one of the girls when they say something like that; "Oh, you don't want that one honey? But it doesn't matter what the jug looks like, it's what's inside that matters. This is the cordial you like. Let me pour it for you". You let me.
My son, you made my day, you made my night. You will never know how much your beautiful words mean to me.
Those two sentences that day are so much more than mere words. They tell me that you understand what is going on around you, more than I often give you credit for. They tell me that you have more words in your head than you can get your mouth to make. They tell me you know how to put together a sentence, even if you can't make it come out of your mouth, or on the iPad. And they tell me that the ability to speak is there, even if it is still very tiny and you are struggling with it a lot right now.
You totally blew my mind with these things, and I am so in love with you my darling boy.
One more thing honey; Did you know that your name means 'Ever ruler' or 'Always conquerer' ? Well it does. And I don't think it is by accident that we named you this. I remember praying over you when you were but a day old in the hospital. In my arms I held you, and began to pray a blessing. But then I found that I was praying things like 'overcomer' and 'conquerer' and that God would be with you on the hard road before you. I remember stopping in shock at the things I was saying, and my heart cried out No! No! This is not what I want for him! Why am I praying this? But it seems my spirit somehow knew what my mind never could at that time. I wept and cried and wondered what on earth it all meant. It took nearly two years before we knew. But here you are my son, overcoming, conquering, little by little. And I know God is with you.
Don't you ever forget that. He knows exactly how your brain works, and exactly what is going on inside. He knows everything about you - everything you can't tell me, He knows. And He will always be there for you, even when I can't be.
I love you to pieces my little Mr Man. And you will grow handsome, and strong, and kind, and clever. You made me proud yesterday, and I just wanted you to know that.
With love beyond forever,
Mum xx
You blew my mind yesterday son, did you know that? I bet you didn't, because I didn't really express my excitement as much as I wanted to. I worry about freaking you out a little bit with an overreaction, so I tend to keep a reign on my excitement when you do something awesome. I tell you quietly and privately that that thing you did was very good, when really what I want to do is jump up and down like a maniac, and whoop and holler to the whole world.
Yesterday, two things happened that made me smile and reminded me of the inextinguishable little flame of hope inside me; that one day, I will hear you speak proper and true.
The first thing, I wasn't even there for. I heard it from your aunty, who works at your school, but I believe every word anyway. There was a change in the buses at school and you were to take a different bus home. Different bus, but same route. You were the kid who flipped out over having a different bus. You were the one screaming and fighting and trying to run off. While it breaks my heart to know that you were so distressed over the changes, your aunty tells me that you said something to all those people who were trying to convince you to get on that bus:
"No! No! Wrong bus!" You cried.
When I heard about this, it took my breath away, son. You, finding those perfectly appropriate words and speaking them out in a perfectly appropriate situation, has left me speechless. And I still can't find the words to express how I feel, knowing you. said. that!
You escaped the grip of the teachers and aides around you and ran to your aunty, whom you recognised among the group of people around, and threw yourself into her. This too blows my mind honey; You went to the most familiar face for help and comfort! And yes, she was able to get you calmly on to that bus. By the way, I have to say, you still didn't look too impressed about the whole situation when I picked you up. Cutie. But oh, my darling, if you only knew how much those words mean to me. You said that; you really said that! Amazing!
The other thing that happened was at dinner that same night. We have had a different flavour of cordial lately, and you decided it is the wrong colour and you would not drink it. So earlier that day I bought you the flavour/colour that is familiar to you, and made up a small jug of cordial just for you, so you didn't have to have water when the rest of us had cordial at the dinner table. You babbled a few things, and then asked for 'poodiyoh' as we have been practicing lately. But when I reached for the little jug instead of the usual one your cordial is served in, you quietly but clearly said; "I don't want that", and made me put it down again.
Your aunty happened to drop by and had stayed for dinner with us, and you should have seen her face. It reflected just exactly what I felt inside; gobsmacked, delighted surprise. But instead, I responded to you as I might respond to one of the girls when they say something like that; "Oh, you don't want that one honey? But it doesn't matter what the jug looks like, it's what's inside that matters. This is the cordial you like. Let me pour it for you". You let me.
My son, you made my day, you made my night. You will never know how much your beautiful words mean to me.
Those two sentences that day are so much more than mere words. They tell me that you understand what is going on around you, more than I often give you credit for. They tell me that you have more words in your head than you can get your mouth to make. They tell me you know how to put together a sentence, even if you can't make it come out of your mouth, or on the iPad. And they tell me that the ability to speak is there, even if it is still very tiny and you are struggling with it a lot right now.
You totally blew my mind with these things, and I am so in love with you my darling boy.
One more thing honey; Did you know that your name means 'Ever ruler' or 'Always conquerer' ? Well it does. And I don't think it is by accident that we named you this. I remember praying over you when you were but a day old in the hospital. In my arms I held you, and began to pray a blessing. But then I found that I was praying things like 'overcomer' and 'conquerer' and that God would be with you on the hard road before you. I remember stopping in shock at the things I was saying, and my heart cried out No! No! This is not what I want for him! Why am I praying this? But it seems my spirit somehow knew what my mind never could at that time. I wept and cried and wondered what on earth it all meant. It took nearly two years before we knew. But here you are my son, overcoming, conquering, little by little. And I know God is with you.
Don't you ever forget that. He knows exactly how your brain works, and exactly what is going on inside. He knows everything about you - everything you can't tell me, He knows. And He will always be there for you, even when I can't be.
I love you to pieces my little Mr Man. And you will grow handsome, and strong, and kind, and clever. You made me proud yesterday, and I just wanted you to know that.
With love beyond forever,
Mum xx
Friday, February 7, 2014
Kintsugi
Before I had children, I always promised myself I would not discriminate between my sons and daughters when it came to helping around the house. My sons would do the dishes, washing, vacuuming, ironing, cleaning the bathroom and toilet, and so on, just as much as the girls. You see, my bloodlines come from a culture where traditionally, the females do the housework, and the men, well, they don't. I always hated this. So I promised I would not pass this particular cultural thing on to my children. We all live here, and everyone helps. End of story.
Then my only son came along, with autism in the picture. And all my resolute promises went out the window.
Not because I wanted them to, you understand, but because as I got to know his abilities (or lack, thereof), I just thought he would not be able to care for himself, much less do any household chores. But I didn't think this at first - on the contrary. During early diagnosis days, I was absolutely dead set that we would just work hard with him and get him all the help he needs. And by the time he was school age, oh, he'd be able to speak and use the toilet and so on. He might just have a few cute quirks, that's all. Our dedication and hard work would simply overcome the challenges he faced with autism and everything would be ok. Simple as that.
...How naive' I was.
Obviously, this didn't happen. Oh, we did everything right. We worked with him. We got help very early - we were consistent, positive, prayerful, persevering. But at six years old, he still can't communicate effectively, still can't use the toilet, is still a danger to himself (more than ever), still needs to be physically cared for much like a baby. And so, after some time, I resigned myself to the notion that Erik would never be able to help around the house.
This rankled me so much. It really did. Because after everything, the girls still do all the work and the boy doesn't have to. Even with the very valid excuse of a disability, it still annoyed me so much.
Then one day, something amazing happened....
I found him doing this.
And what is even more amazing (and rather hilarious), is that when I walked into the kitchen to see what the noise was about, he became very vocal and began pushing me away. Even though I hadn't touched him! He was just worried that I was going to try to stop him.
Wowweeee! I mean; far out! I was totally gobsmacked!
Wowweeee! I mean; far out! I was totally gobsmacked!
Instantly, I seized the opportunity and tried to encourage him, and help with some of the dishes he didn't know what to do with. He still didn't want my help, but smiled and settle down at words of encouragement. But I was so worried he was going to drop a glass or a plate and shatter it everywhere, so instead, I called the girls to come and help him. This help, he delightfully accepted.
I never realised that all this time, he had been observing and noticing when the girls would unload the dishwasher. I never once thought that he might like to join in, that this might be a really good chore for him. After all, every dish has it's place, all stacked in their respective groups, always put away in the same cupboards, and this should appeal to him enormously. Why did I not think of this before? And look at how delighted he is with this task! He is even saying a new word in relation to it; "cups". He puts away the cups, and says "cups" with a little lisp on the end. Tooooo sweet!
Suddenly my mind was reeling with the possibilities. I really felt like the sun had just come up in my brain - I guess it was a classic 'light bulb' moment. Never had one like that before, no jokes.
The dishwasher! Of course! Now I am teaching him to put away his pyjamas and make his bed in the morning too. Later on, I may show him how to clear the dinner table with the girls, and wipe it down. Oh, the amazing possibilities! And I can tell you without hesitation, that this is the most wonderful thing that has happened in a long time. Probably as good as the first time he began echoing words. I am so blown away and so happy.
You see, this was a shattered dream once. A small one - chores around the house - but still, a shattered dream nonetheless. And there are so many of those little shattered dreams that pepper our lives once we received that diagnosis. But now, this little shattered dream looks like it can be functional once again, and it's the most beautiful thing to me. It's rather like Kintsugi, where the repaired vase is all the more beautiful for having been broken in the first place.
I am learning to let go of my negative expectations. It's hard, but this is part of the journey. I am learning to leave the door of hope and possibility open. It's not that I ever gave up on him, it's more that I just kind of stopped hoping for the best. But who knows what the future holds; Who knows?! Maybe my little man is struggling with so many things at the moment, but maybe he will be able to do everything! After all, with God, nothing is impossible!
In the meantime, I just have to watch out for dirty dishes in among the clean ones in the cupboards.
xx
I am learning to let go of my negative expectations. It's hard, but this is part of the journey. I am learning to leave the door of hope and possibility open. It's not that I ever gave up on him, it's more that I just kind of stopped hoping for the best. But who knows what the future holds; Who knows?! Maybe my little man is struggling with so many things at the moment, but maybe he will be able to do everything! After all, with God, nothing is impossible!
In the meantime, I just have to watch out for dirty dishes in among the clean ones in the cupboards.
xx
Saturday, February 1, 2014
The Kettle Is On...Must Supervise
Obsessions and compulsions are a typical part of ASDs, but they play out differently and with different intensities in each person. They are about as unique as the individual. One of the most common questions I have been asked when talking to someone about my sons' diagnosis has been: "So, does he line up his stuff all the time?". I must admit, it makes me chuckle, because the question is very stereotypical.
The answer is always; no, he doesn't. He has lined things up from time to time, but so rarely that I usually grab the camera to take a pic because it's so cute. My son is not a neat freak (thank God! 'Cause my house ain't neat most of the time!), and doesn't have to have his things set up in any particular order, but he certainly does have his patterns, obsessions and compulsions.
Eating and drinking...
He has a regular spot to sit at when it comes to eating. Be it at the dinner table, the bench, or grandma's house. He will only eat breakfast out of one particular bowl, but lunch and dinner can be out of anything. He will rarely drink out of anything except his drink bottle or the Ikea plastic coloured cups. No glasses, no straws, no fancy plastic cups.
Travelling...
The same route must be taken when we drive to various places, although he is now starting to relax with this.
Shopping...
Parking at certain spots at the local shopping centre means that we must then enter through certain doors. If we ever park at one spot and enter through a different door, the boy is not happy.
Some of the most frustrating, and arguably, funniest compulsions that he has basically boil down to him having to 'supervise' certain events in our home...
Kettle...
If someone puts the kettle on, Erik will cease whatever he is doing - be it eating, iPad, dressing or showering, even playing outside if he hears it - to stand in front of the kettle and remain there until it clicks off. When he first started doing this, he would scream and cry - not because the sound upset him, but because the kettle had interrupted whatever he was doing. He couldn't help being compelled to attend to it, even if it meant missing his favourite song on TV.
Toilet...
For a long time, if a toilet was flushed - upstairs or downstairs - he would run to the couch and sit on the back rest until he could not hear it anymore. This drove me crazy when trying to get him ready in the mornings (Can you imagine? A household of eight getting ready for the day - those toilets are going to be flushing a lot!). Mercifully, this compulsion is slowly relaxing.
Shower...
When someone is in the shower, he tries to get into the bathroom, just to hang around in there until the water turns off. The amount of times my poor daughters have had the door burst open on them...! If the door is locked, he will wait outside the door until the shower is turned off. But while ever the water is running, you cannot move him from that spot!
Microwave...
The microwave is another compulsion he has. Anytime someone uses it, he drops what he is doing - just like he does for the kettle - and runs over to supervise whatever is being zapped in that microwave. He has also discovered that it has numbers which count down to one, and that is a real perk for him. Sometimes I hear him saying the numbers as they come up on the little screen. Recently, he worked out how to make the microwave go all by himself. I would often hear the microwave turn on, and dash over to find it running with nothing inside, and Mr Man watching the numbers in delight. He managed to fry one microwave already doing this. We have learnt that switching it off at the wall is a good idea.
What happens when all of the above are going on at once...?
Occasionally, we have a few of these things going at once. At first he would stress out because he couldn't attend to everything. Poor little tacker; that was frustrating to watch. But recently, it seems to me that he has worked out a system of priority. Microwave takes precedence over the kettle. Microwave or kettle take precedence over the shower. And the toilet flush has become something he may or may not respond to anymore.
If Erik has been put to bed, or is asleep, and happens to hear any one of these things, it is very likely that he will run out of his room to attend to the incident... bleary eyed and annoyed. And so I have to admit, I have often taken to boiling water for my coffee on the stovetop, or making people wait until he is sound asleep to use the microwave or kettle, or closing all possible doors between the bathroom and his room when there is a shower going! Because sometimes, you just have to choose your battles!
xx
The answer is always; no, he doesn't. He has lined things up from time to time, but so rarely that I usually grab the camera to take a pic because it's so cute. My son is not a neat freak (thank God! 'Cause my house ain't neat most of the time!), and doesn't have to have his things set up in any particular order, but he certainly does have his patterns, obsessions and compulsions.
Eating and drinking...
He has a regular spot to sit at when it comes to eating. Be it at the dinner table, the bench, or grandma's house. He will only eat breakfast out of one particular bowl, but lunch and dinner can be out of anything. He will rarely drink out of anything except his drink bottle or the Ikea plastic coloured cups. No glasses, no straws, no fancy plastic cups.
Travelling...
The same route must be taken when we drive to various places, although he is now starting to relax with this.
Shopping...
Parking at certain spots at the local shopping centre means that we must then enter through certain doors. If we ever park at one spot and enter through a different door, the boy is not happy.
Some of the most frustrating, and arguably, funniest compulsions that he has basically boil down to him having to 'supervise' certain events in our home...
Kettle...
If someone puts the kettle on, Erik will cease whatever he is doing - be it eating, iPad, dressing or showering, even playing outside if he hears it - to stand in front of the kettle and remain there until it clicks off. When he first started doing this, he would scream and cry - not because the sound upset him, but because the kettle had interrupted whatever he was doing. He couldn't help being compelled to attend to it, even if it meant missing his favourite song on TV.
 |
| Mummy put the kettle on! |
For a long time, if a toilet was flushed - upstairs or downstairs - he would run to the couch and sit on the back rest until he could not hear it anymore. This drove me crazy when trying to get him ready in the mornings (Can you imagine? A household of eight getting ready for the day - those toilets are going to be flushing a lot!). Mercifully, this compulsion is slowly relaxing.
Shower...
When someone is in the shower, he tries to get into the bathroom, just to hang around in there until the water turns off. The amount of times my poor daughters have had the door burst open on them...! If the door is locked, he will wait outside the door until the shower is turned off. But while ever the water is running, you cannot move him from that spot!
 |
| Outside the bathroom door while Daddy showers. |
Microwave...
The microwave is another compulsion he has. Anytime someone uses it, he drops what he is doing - just like he does for the kettle - and runs over to supervise whatever is being zapped in that microwave. He has also discovered that it has numbers which count down to one, and that is a real perk for him. Sometimes I hear him saying the numbers as they come up on the little screen. Recently, he worked out how to make the microwave go all by himself. I would often hear the microwave turn on, and dash over to find it running with nothing inside, and Mr Man watching the numbers in delight. He managed to fry one microwave already doing this. We have learnt that switching it off at the wall is a good idea.
What happens when all of the above are going on at once...?
Occasionally, we have a few of these things going at once. At first he would stress out because he couldn't attend to everything. Poor little tacker; that was frustrating to watch. But recently, it seems to me that he has worked out a system of priority. Microwave takes precedence over the kettle. Microwave or kettle take precedence over the shower. And the toilet flush has become something he may or may not respond to anymore.
If Erik has been put to bed, or is asleep, and happens to hear any one of these things, it is very likely that he will run out of his room to attend to the incident... bleary eyed and annoyed. And so I have to admit, I have often taken to boiling water for my coffee on the stovetop, or making people wait until he is sound asleep to use the microwave or kettle, or closing all possible doors between the bathroom and his room when there is a shower going! Because sometimes, you just have to choose your battles!
xx
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Snippets
I really do miss blogging when I haven't done for a while. Life can get so hectic sometimes, that writing about it often gets demoted to the bottom rung of the priority ladder. But that is a shame; it means that many events of note are unrecorded along the way.
I decided to give my blog some loving this week - hence the new look. I will probably continue tweaking away to get it just right. The focus will remain on my beautiful boy though... no more cakes, although I have come a long way with that since the first ghastly efforts I posted about and was once so very proud of!
Posting on my personal facebook page has been where I have shared about my sons new things and experiences. So even though I haven't blogged extensively about these incidents, I have kept a sort of record of what was going on. I thought it might be nice to gather some of them into one place.
19 December 2012
Got a little emotional at Erik's kinder concert this morning. It's hard watching him stand in the corner uncertainly while all his peers take part in singing and actions, and all the while knowing that he knows the song but just can't seem to participate. But it's ok. It's ok. I like to record these moments because one day we will look back on them and see just how far he's come. Also, right now I have in my possession an enrolment pack for ******* ******* School!! Super excited to be embarking on this next step in his life!! Even if we all embark with no words!
20 December 2012
Most beautiful sound to my ears for the whole month.... Erik doing his best to echo "Everybody dance now!" and collapsing in fits of giggles with it
25 December 2012
My son is doing amazing in church today. Broken pattern and everything!
6 January 2013
Isobelle is playing "Talking Tom" with Erik.... where she is saying things and he is ECHOING!!!!! :'D
8 February 2013
Sometimes, when I have too many things going on, I don't know which one to start with or share. So I'm going to list them... yeah.... love lists :P:
1. Erik is still echoing lots! I'm loving hearing his voice and his words, even when he struggles to make them.
2. Erik has had his orientation at school, and I can hardly contain my excitement for him for this year!
3. I'm so very grateful for this amazing country and the people in it. My admiration for anyone who works with children is huge, but for those who have a passion/desire to work with our special kids, it's even bigger. Thank God for you people, who care enough to find out why these kids do the things they do instead of lumping them into the naughty/bad/useless box
4. About to start working on an exciting cookie project!
5. Erik has to be on the bus at 7:18am. Yay me... lrn 2 luv mornings .
1. Erik is still echoing lots! I'm loving hearing his voice and his words, even when he struggles to make them.
2. Erik has had his orientation at school, and I can hardly contain my excitement for him for this year!
3. I'm so very grateful for this amazing country and the people in it. My admiration for anyone who works with children is huge, but for those who have a passion/desire to work with our special kids, it's even bigger. Thank God for you people, who care enough to find out why these kids do the things they do instead of lumping them into the naughty/bad/useless box
4. About to start working on an exciting cookie project!
5. Erik has to be on the bus at 7:18am. Yay me... lrn 2 luv mornings .
11 February 2013
Waiting at the designated stop for the bus that has my son on it to arrive. More than a little anxious
18 February 2013
Oh my goodness! Erik is carrying his own schoolbag, AND he said "bye" to me on the way out the door! Only three days of school and already this!
4 June 2013
I had to administer some medicine to Erik, who has not needed to have any for over 18 months. While he put up a fight, it was not the epic one I was expecting. And we managed to take the whole dose with no meltdowns! What a good little man!
6 July 2013
He has been through 4 tops today. I wish the chewy necklaces I ordered would hurry up and arrive!!
8 July 2013
Managed to get some shopping done with all four today. Erik did very well, mostly holding Leila's hand. But we had a meltdown on the way out when we didn't stop at the playground. One lady tried to talk him out of it. Most people just stared at us. Erik on the floor screaming and crying and me trying to talk him through it and show him the picture of the car. He understood, he just didn't want to comply. Trolley in the middle of the walkway with my handbag hanging in full view (and grasp) of anyone who might decide to take advantage of the situation. Big girls looking nervous and worried, Isobelle trying to talk to me. But we managed to get him up and keep going (I had to carry him for a bit... no mean feat with his size compared to mine). Maybe go again tomorrow to get some more stuff. Short successful trips are good!
20 July 2013
Special day today! Went to the movies with the WHOLE family! That's Erik and Isobelle's first time at the cinema. They both did great! (especially Erik :))
30 July 2013
Isobelle: Mummy, can you feed me?
Me: No I can't darling, sorry. I need to help your brother.
Isobelle: But I'm little.
Me: No, you're a big girl now, you can feed yourself. But I need to watch Erik because he's autistic honey.
Isobelle: Why Erik is cheese stick?
... maybe it's too early yet.
Me: No I can't darling, sorry. I need to help your brother.
Isobelle: But I'm little.
Me: No, you're a big girl now, you can feed yourself. But I need to watch Erik because he's autistic honey.
Isobelle: Why Erik is cheese stick?
... maybe it's too early yet.
1 October 2013
Erik put a much-needed smile on my face this afternoon. I made him a Nutella sandwich for lunch (basically the only thing he'll have on a sandwich besides cream cheese). He cheerfully exclaims "Attack!!" before tucking in to the sandwich. Hehehe... so cute
24 October 2013
Tonight at dinner: Erik actually ate vegetables with his mashed potato! Win! And Isobelle used her fork as a dinglehopper. Interesting mealtimes at my place O_o
8 November 2013
Erik drew a person!!! Anyone who knows us will know how amazing this is!! He drew this the day Will came home from Kapooka. First time we've ever seen him draw more than scribbles!! Coincidence...? Maybe not....maybe he really did draw daddy!
7 January 2014
Ok: Everyone pray for me today! I offered Erik jocks instead of a nappy today (don't know why) and he calmly accepted them! So I guess today has somehow become a toilet training day! Mr Strong jocks. So cute
15 January 2014
I wish I could leave Erik's window open so the breeze could blow through his room. The room is so hot, but I can't leave it open in case he figures out how to push out the fly screen and climbs out the window .
26 January 2014
Random thoughts.... I wonder if I could teach Erik how to put away his pyjamas and make his bed in the morning. I wonder if I could teach him how to wipe down the dinner table...
29 January 2014
And so the holidays are over; just like that. I'm a little bit sad actually, but at the same time, I'm happy for my kids: They were bored at home. Especially Erik! And Isobelle starts kinder this year! Bet she's gonna love it
So... I guess you can gather from all the above that there has been more echolalia, a little more interaction, and more social experiences. Oh, and my husband joined the Army Reserves.
Sadly, there has been no progress with toilet training. This continues to be a source of frustration for me. But I'm sure we'll get there.
...Eventually.
xx
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