It's Japanese To Me

Ryan and Jennifer, his Japanese teacher

For so many years I have had to figure out how to teach "normal" tasks to my boys.  My boys can do most of the normal chores expected from teenagers now.  As they have mastered tasks, of course, new goals are set.  To make life easier for me, I've encouraged the boys to pursue interests or classes that I had some background or experience.  Therefore, I could help them if necessary.  As the boys grow up, they are expanding their horizons, beyond MY comfort zone.  I can't help them, and that is a good thing.

Ryan has developed an interest in Japanese. His interest has grown to include many aspects of Japanese culture.  I find myself listening to Japanese music. I dodge a swinging katana, a traditional Japanese sword, if I enter Ryan's room.  He's taken lessons to learn to speak the language.  He's totally independent of me in this endeavor.  I can't help him figure out anything if he's confused.  So he has to think for himself.  Not a bad thing by any means.  But I have to stop myself from trying to help him.  So many years of MY programming as a mom with special needs kids have to be undone, or re-programmed.

My role of MOM continues to change as these young men with autism continue to progress toward independent life!