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.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Fun and Frivolous Results

Last Saturday morning, as the boys were getting breakfast fare out, I told them that they needed to serve cake first. Their reactions were quite different from what I expected. Ryan's eyes opened wide in disbelief. Cam paused for the brief moment and then wrapped his arms around me and said, "I love you, Mom." Nick observed his brothers in silence and moved the cake to the table.

I expected the boys to be surprised; I also expected some confusion or hesitation. Usually, my kids follow a black and white mode. The schedule. They don't vary much. I really thought I'd cause a commotion. Nope. They rode the strange tide as if they were used to unpredictable situations.

Breakfast started off with cake followed by fruit, muffins, and turkey. Lunch was left overs. They had already guessed that eggs would be a part of dinner. Of course, they wanted another round of dessert.

So my teens with autism are showing flexibility and adaptability!

No comments:

Post a Comment