Autism and Interviews: Time Marches On!

Oceanside Beach, 2012

It's been a week since Ryan's interview for a scholarship.  We have not heard anything.  That doesn't seem to bother Ryan.  I, however, want to know.

Alas, we've been busy doing other things.  Today, Ryan and I filled out required paperwork for his SSI application.  At least, we know that is in progress.  That is another story.  All this government bureaucracy is time consuming.  Tis a lesson in patience, and I've learned that the lessons in patience take the longest.

Sigh.

So I try to be patient.  Easiest way to do that is to picture the beach.  Sunset too.  Tis timeless.

Beach: Solace and Peace

Why the beach?  Well, it holds happy memories for me.  I grew up within a few miles from the beach.  Being fair skinned, I never went to the beach to get a tan.  I went for specific reasons or occasions, ie a family reunion, hotdog/marsh mellow roast, or a jog along the coast.

Besides happy memories, the beach is the only place I know that encompasses all the senses:  hearing the waves, feeling the sand, tasting the water, seeing the sunset, and smelling the ocean air.  At first the beach is a place of solace, offering alleviation from stress and strain.  Stay long enough, the beach becomes a place of peace, transforming strife to serenity.

I also find my Creator here.  Although the beach is never silent, the natural sounds and beauty enable me to still my mind.  I find myself in awe of nature, its creation, always leading me to its Creator.

That is where the real journey begins.

The Beach and Tactile Issues Part 1

They said they would not get wet. They did not want sand on them. They did not want to put on their bathing suits. I finally persuaded them to put on shorts. I brought towels just in case.

Thirty minutes later we arrived at the beach. Under protest all four of my boys removed their shoes and socks. We walked on the sand towards the water. We dumped our shoes where the tide would not get them wet. Then we continued to the beach.

There was a slight breeze. The sun made the sand warm. It's January, and we're taking the boys to the beach. Crazy?

I was in the water first. I let the water come up to my knees. Cold.

Cameron tested the water with his toes. Brrrr. Nick watched from where we dumped the shoes. Ryan walked into the water and immediately ran out. Stuart carefully ran toward the tides, embracing the waves.

Within ten minutes, the water has lured all of them in, Even Nick. There is just something about the beach, with the waves coming and going, that soothes even my autistic boys. We let the boys have space and did not push them at all. They each entered the water when they were ready. I think the rhythm of the sound really helps them feel at ease.

An hour later the boys were drenched. Keep in mind that our pool at home can be 80 degrees F, and that is "too cold". However, the beach water was below 70 I think, and that was NOT too cold.

One wave hit Ryan, and he fell in the water. The sand on his face did freak him out. I could see the panic in his face, and I immediately wiped it off with my long sleeve. Then he was fine. The boys continued to play, run, and fall in the water. They collected sea shells. They even curled their toes in the sand.

All in all, I bet no one at the beach knew that I was dealing with two boys who could not stand to have dirt or mud on their hands. Ten years ago, this beach trip was only a fantasy. Through lots of tactile therapy, we can now go. The beach is fun!

In part 2 I will go through some steps as to how we overcame severe tactile issues.