Autism: Surviving and Thriving

Fourteen years ago my youngest 3 boys were diagnosed with autism within a 9 month span. Devastation and grieving followed. Doctors gave me little or no hope, but they didn't know me very well. I refused to believe that my boys were doomed.

My boys are now young men, adults with autism. They are thriving, but every day presents its turmoil and challenges.

My family: husband Mike, sons Ryan 23 yr, Nicholas 21 yr, and Cameron 18 yr. (Ryan and Nick have autism; Cam has recovered from autism.) Our oldest sons, Michael 34 yr and Stuart 25 yr, moved out of the house. Ryan has also moved out, and is still working towards complete independence.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Reflections of Our Actions


We might never know the full impact of our actions or words. In this photo, the moon reflects the sun's lights. Like the moon, we reflect the positive or negative actions we receive.

My 13 year-old son, Nick, was asked who did he want to be like when he grew up. His reply was, "I want to be like my brother, Michael." I was shocked. So was Michael.

His big brother is now 25 and out of the house. Michael comes and takes his little brothers out to play ball or back to his house for a movie or video games. It's a little time that has a big pay-off. Nick asks every Thursday whether or not Michael is coming over. Every Thursday I tell Nick to call him. Michael can't come get Nick every Thursday. However, it has worked enough that Nick looks up to his brother as a role model.

When I told Michael that Nick wants to be like him, Michael had no idea that his time meant so much to Nick. It does.

We just never know when our actions will be priceless to someone else.


photo credit: thombo2

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