Trying My Patience

Since I am temporarily doing this "single parent" thing, while my husband is away for training via the Army...I am discovering new levels of patience, or trying to at least. Sometimes its over something as little as a request to do something - its easy to take for granted, the ability to perform a series of sequential steps...something we may do everyday without thinking. However, for my son, this can cause him to pause in confusion, or even stop midway through the task...wandering away, the request forgotten, the task incomplete. Patiently, I repeat my request or the instructions...but sometimes, after a number of repetitions...I find my patience dwindling and my stress levels rising. Not all children with Aspergers are unable to read body language or decipher complex emotional states. My son is quickly able to pick up on my frustration and in turn, becomes anxious...trying even harder to master the request. It is then, that I stop...take that deep breath, get a drink of water or simply stop and gather him up in a hug. We wait until we are both relaxed and together finish what we began.

Trying My Patience

Since I am temporarily doing this "single parent" thing, while my husband is away for training via the Army...I am discovering new levels of patience, or trying to at least. Sometimes its over something as little as a request to do something - its easy to take for granted, the ability to perform a series of sequential steps...something we may do everyday without thinking. However, for my son, this can cause him to pause in confusion, or even stop midway through the task...wandering away, the request forgotten, the task incomplete. Patiently, I repeat my request or the instructions...but sometimes, after a number of repetitions...I find my patience dwindling and my stress levels rising. Not all children with Aspergers are unable to read body language or decipher complex emotional states. My son is quickly able to pick up on my frustration and in turn, becomes anxious...trying even harder to master the request. It is then, that I stop...take that deep breath, get a drink of water or simply stop and gather him up in a hug. We wait until we are both relaxed and together finish what we began.

The Best Big Brother EVER

Once again, my son takes on the stereotypes of Autism. Tonight, the youngest is freaking out over bedtime...every other minute - with much snotty crying and wailing, she calls out for some new need in order to put off bedtime. The most recent was a beg for Daddy to give her yet another hug/kiss/cuddle. My son (the one with Aspergers), quietly pads down the hall and peeks into his little sisters room. Very quietly, I hear him say "I'll give you a hug and kiss goodnight. I'll cuddle you." My heart was about to burst...

The Best Big Brother EVER

Once again, my son takes on the stereotypes of Autism. Tonight, the youngest is freaking out over bedtime...every other minute - with much snotty crying and wailing, she calls out for some new need in order to put off bedtime. The most recent was a beg for Daddy to give her yet another hug/kiss/cuddle. My son (the one with Aspergers), quietly pads down the hall and peeks into his little sisters room. Very quietly, I hear him say "I'll give you a hug and kiss goodnight. I'll cuddle you." My heart was about to burst...

Asperger's is not a barrier...

My son proves this to me every day! The other day, he had his first orchestra concert...and it made me proud to hear him squeak and squak his way through "Hot Cross Buns" along with the rest of his grade!!!

Asperger's is not a barrier...

My son proves this to me every day! The other day, he had his first orchestra concert...and it made me proud to hear him squeak and squak his way through "Hot Cross Buns" along with the rest of his grade!!!

Great and wonderful news!

My son had his first independent (outside school) evaluation since kindergarten yesterday. We felt that he has been showing such good progress in his academic and personal development, that one was warrented. The doctor met with him for almost 2 hours - chatting with us, asking detailed questions...but mostly visiting with my son. He decided to move him up the Autism spectrum, from high functioning Autism/PDD-NOS to a new diagnosis of Aspergers. Isn't it funny? This is a label, that no parent wants for their child...yet made us so happy! The doctor feels that with continued services through school and the social/fitness programs we keep him involved with at the YMCA (What would I do without them?)...that by the time he is in his mid-teens, it will be very hard to tell he is even on the spectrum at all. In addition, he fully expects him to lead a NORMAL LIFE...college, holding a job, living independantly, marriage and all that life has to offer! He is simply amazing to me! Despite the challenges the genetic dice rolled him. Never, ever have I felt guilty for vaccinating him. Nor do I believe that is a cause of the majority of austim cases...an entirely different topic, for another day. He continues to persevere and overcome every obstacle that has come his way. I would never change him or this experience if I were able...it has taught me patience, creativity in parenting and humor in unexpected - and some might not always think appropriate places (...but hey, if you can't laugh at it, you cry...and which would you rather do?). So, if I may brag a bit...YEA BUBBY!!!