Friday, June 10, 2011

Our Life with Autism

I know I have not been blogging much lately and I haven't forgot about the pictures I promised to post. I'll get around to it eventually...maybe! :)

Today, I've been inspired to get out of my blogging silence by Kelly Korner's Show Us Your Life topic. Today's topic is Special Needs Families. I have touched on it slightly off and on over the years; however, late last year we received an official diagnosis of Autism for Hoss. We are facing this with our heads up. Luckily for Hoss, my job profession has given me knowledge about Autism and I am familiar with resources and supports available in my area. However, the fear of the unknown is the biggest worry. I strive to find and listen to more experienced parents and what has worked for them as their children have faced obstacles and challenges. Hopefully I will find more through this post!

Below is a post I wrote about Hoss in September 2010, before the official diagnosis. He still melts my heart!

He turns five in a couple weeks. He is a cuddler, loves to have big bear hugs and sleep snuggled up close to someone. His red hair and blue eyes positioned behind adorable oval framed glasses make him an instant charmer. He is very tall for his 5 years and all his teachers talk about how much he grew over the summer.


Just glancing at him, he is a typical boy with bruises on his legs from climbing, dirt under his fingernails from digging and a superhero action figure in his hand. He sings along with the music on the radio and has very specific preferences in what music he likes.


However, “typical” is not a word textbooks would use to describe him. Instead, textbooks would likely describe him as autistic. See, this little boy does not make eye contact, he seldom initiates conversation, he mumbles and sings to himself and he can not name any friends.


Well, except for his best friend, his mommy. That’s right. He tells everyone his best friend is “Mommy.” This makes his mommy’s heart melt every time he says it and recently that has been daily.


Being his mommy is an extremely difficult task. Mommies have dreams for their children, hopes for a better life. This little boy’s mommy has recently realized these dreams will be much more difficult for her little boy to accomplish. While, his mommy still believes he can do great and marvelous things, it pains her to see him struggle daily to try.

Despite these struggles, this little boy is perfect in his mommy’s eyes. I know because he’s my little boy.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Stopping by from Kelly's korner. Thought I'd say hi.

barbara said...

found you thru Kelly's Korner. This is a beautiful precious love letter about your son. Thank you for showing us such tenderness.

Cory said...

That was a heart melting description of your boy, and you are right... he IS perfect! I feel the same way about my son who has Down Syndrome. Children are each miraculous, mysterious creatures, and even the "typical" ones have quirks. I bet he will do great things in life becuz his mama is his biggest fan.

Unknown said...

Visiting via Kelly's Korner. I have a 5 1/2 year old with Autism and a 10 yr old with Asperger's. Nice to meet you!

Lisa @All That and a Box of Rocks

Rachel said...

What a beautiful note about your son.

I have a 16 year old brother with aspberger's and the older he gets, the more our family realizes that his life won't be what we expected for him. He is SO loved, but it can be so hard. Thanks or your sharing about your little boy. It's nice to see such openness!

Janelle said...

I was just thinking about you, glad you posted! Our oldest is dyslexic and I don't discuss it much on the blog either. It certainly raises some challenges-but God gave Hoss to you because you'd be the best mommy he could have!

Laura P said...

Your little boy sounds so similar to mine in certain areas.

I'm so grateful that Kelly did a SUYL for special needs. It's a great opportunity for us all to "meet".

Anonymous said...

I found you through Kelly's Korner. I have a 19 year old college sophomore, tuba playing, boy scout camp staff member, Eagle Scout who also just happens to have Asperger's. I also have a 17 year old high school junior who happens to be autistic. We have always tried to treat them as boys first and the ASD second. I know about the dirt under the nails, but I also know about the mumbling & singing. Our youngest has an MP3 player that we allow him to use when we are out. He looks like any other kid signing with his MP3 player walking in the mall etc.
I won't say it isn't hard but it is not impossible to thrive with an ASD.

Jen S. said...

I've recently ended my blogging silence, too! (I don't know if you remember me- I used to blog under the name "Guinevere Meadow.") Just got back into blogging and you are still in my blog feeds! :) Anyway, nice to be in touch again. I've read a lot of blogs of parents of autistic children. I hope you are able to find yourself a really strong support group, as that can make all the difference. :)

Rachel said...

That was so touching. My son has Asperger's and was just recently officially diagnosed. I find it so sweet that he thinks you are his best friend...just shows you how much of a fan of his mommy he is! :)