Embracing Growth: Our Journey with Autism and Everyday Life
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Chapter 1: A Day in the Life
Reflecting on our experiences, our journey with autism continues to unfold in remarkable ways.
Sleep, joy, school, friends, and the adventures that lie ahead bring a sense of excitement to our sweet boy, O. I’m relieved to see him adjusting to school life more smoothly, and it seems we have finally found some restful nights again, at least for a little while.
This morning, he woke up, went to the bathroom, and promptly retrieved his tablet. He spoke to me calmly about various topics, despite showing a bit of nervousness about expressing himself. He nestled under his favorite blanket, which he has claimed as his own.
Although he wasn’t thrilled with his choice of pants today, I want to encourage him to try different options. As much as I wish he could wear his preferred style all the time, it’s essential for him to progress in this area. Finding the same styles and colors as he grows is a challenge, and I want to avoid any meltdowns if one pair goes missing. Sometimes, I find myself overthinking these situations.
Once we stepped outside, his thoughts about his pants quickly faded as he eagerly awaited the school bus. His excitement to see his friends was palpable. When the bus arrived, he climbed aboard and chatted briefly with the driver and aide. I often wonder what goes through his mind during those moments.
After school, I hoped to encourage him to engage in an activity, but he wasn’t having it and quickly changed his mind. Given how well he managed yesterday, I didn’t want to push him to go out today, especially with storms on the forecast, so I was grateful we opted to stay in.
He was aware that his usual bus driver wouldn’t be dropping him off on Friday, and he communicated his concerns about it, wanting reassurance from me. I reminded him that he knew who would be bringing him home, and he had to accept that change. He started to mention the name of the other driver, which felt like a positive step forward.
His appetite was in full swing once again, and he didn’t stop eating until bedtime. I love seeing him enjoy his meals. Although he remained quite calm, he wasn’t inclined to follow my directions today. Some days are just like that. I’m thankful for his progress and the calmness he exhibits. Every victory we achieve is a testament to the challenges we face and overcome. Life is what we make of it, so let’s make it beautiful. Wishing smiles to everyone and a sprinkle of donut joy!
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Chapter 2: Finding Joy in Routine
A weekly update on new activities and happenings, providing insights into what to expect this week.