Nick's Milestones

Much has happened in Nick's life.  In the last month, he went to prom.  He graduated.  He received a scholarship.  He attended a local college band camp.  Those are the good things. Some not so good things happened too, but I'll save those for another day.  Now is the time to celebrate.

Nick had a challenging year, and he met them head-on.  At the beginning of the academic year, his case manager stated that he was flunking Spanish II and had to be removed.  That happened on day 5 of the year.  Nick earned an A-.  A far cry from failing.

The next challenge was being told from his school counselor that he could not go straight to the local university.  Nick had some special needs classes that supposedly the university would not accept.  I called the university.  They wanted to see Nick's transcript.  I sent it.  They enthusiastically said that they would accept Nick.  His grades were fantastic, and his class ranking was high.  Why would they not want him?  Of course, there were other factors to consider, but based on the transcript, Nick was welcomed to attend.

The third challenge was Nick's new case manager stated that Nick's plan for a fifth year at the high school could not happen because he was on course to graduate.  Nick had been planning on taking a fifth year to work on communication and reading skills.  I had emails documenting this plan.  The IEP team had agreed each year, that this would be the best transition plan for Nick into adulthood.  The case manager totally changed the game plan.  She said the only way Nick could continue was to participate in a special ed class that was wayyyyy below his cognitive level.  Even the psychologist warned me.  We observed and visited the program, but ultimately nixed it, and insisted on our original plan, which the IEP team again approved.

Throughout the ordeals, Nick focused on his studies and his goals.  I told him we would get through the obstacles, but he could not dwell on it.  He had to learn that this will happen frequently in his life.  People will judge that he is not capable of something.  People, no matter how well intended, will underestimate him.  People will have preconceived notions.  They just don't know Nick.

Yes, Nick has autism.  However, autism does not define Nick.  Nick is Nick, and only Nick can determine who he is.  In my eyes, he is turning into a successful man.

An Accomplished Young Adult with Autism

Mike with Nick at Senior Night

As the football season comes to a close, so does the marching band season.  Tis bittersweet for Nicholas, as he loves the camaraderie of the marching band. However, we have a reprieve!  The football team is in the playoffs, so the marching band continues to perform.

A few weeks ago, the marching band celebrated senior night.  My husband and I escorted Nick in front of the football stands during halftime.  As we walked, the announcer voiced Nick's goals after high school--to study music and math.  Nick beamed.  He gave me a rose and a big hug.

Before giving roses to moms

I cherish these moments. Memories of his challenges as a youngster with autism are never far from me. Memories of Nick struggling with loud noises, and now playing in a marching band. Memories of Nick trying to express himself in words, and now expressing himself musically. Memories of Nick overcoming so many issues...  Nick is now emerging as an accomplished young man with autism.

This is a moment to celebrate in the life of Nick!

I Want To Be Like My Big Brother

Ryan, Nick, Michael, Cameron

When the boys were in elementary school, teachers often had them write about whom they admired.  Without fail, the answer would be, "My big brother."

With four boys still in the house, many assume the younger boys mean Stuart.  While Stu is fun-loving, hardworking, and admirable, he is not always the big brother being referenced.  In our family, the big brother is the the tallest, ie 6'2".  Literally the BIG brother.  Michael.

Michael has been out of the house for a decade now.  He lives about a mile away.  Far enough to live his own life, but close enough to help.  Michael knows the challenges facing his little brothers, and many times he takes them to offer me reprieve.

My younger sons usually like going over the Mike's because they get to play video games, eat (gluten free) fast food, drink sodas, stay up late, and do nothing.  Then there's the flip side.  Mike keeps them busy.  He usually has a project or two going on.

This month they are making a bench out of an old bar.  The plans for the bench hang on the garage wall.  The wood and tools cover the floor.  The boys show me various aspects.  Each one voices what he likes (or doesn't like) about the project.  They like using the tools.  The loud noises--not so much.

Mike has a knack for solving problems, like getting the boys to work together on a project that is new to them.  They might complain at first, but ultimately, they have a good time completing the tasks at hand.  They then have a great sense of accomplishment.  Priceless!