Street meeting

[hazelk]

I was late setting off to work this morning and halfway to the bus stop I spotted younger son coming down the street with his class teacher. Last time this happened he completely freaked. Autists find it difficult to cope when things or people are out of place and he normally doesn't see me during school hours. My first reaction was to hide but it too late for that. But he didn't freak. He just smiled, said "What are you doing mummy?" and carried on his way. Now I feel all proud.

Comments

[elisi]

I bet everyone reading this is feeling proud right along with you! :)

[ninerva.livejournal.com]

That's fantastic. Its those seemingly small things that are really very important. My cousin has Asbergers and for years wouldn't really speak on the phone, would pick it up sometimes but immediately pass it onto Mum or Dad. This used to upset my nanna because they lived away, but one day, quite out of the blue, he chatted to her for a while. It was such a huge thing for her. Anyway, you have every reason to feel chuffed, I'm really glad.

[aycheb.livejournal.com]

Small things learn to appreciate we do. Although thinking about how far they've moved on in the three years they''ve been at their school it's a big thing too. Somethimes I think being twins helps them with the social impairments, they've always seemed very aware of each other. They fight like cats but it's an interaction of sorts. Does your cousin live at home?

[ninerva.livejournal.com]

Yeah, he's in his mid-twenties now, but still lives at home. But he does have a job which he loves. The first job he got was in a supermarket, the boss gave him work which he did day in and day out and was left to get on with it, but a new boss came in and started expecting him to be more flexible, he couldn't cope with that and freaked a little bit. But now he's got a job where he is left to get on with it, its in a garden centre and he looks after the pets in the pet shop bit. His new bosses have a better understanding and leave him alone to get on with it. Its his perfect job and he's very happy as long as he has routine. He is also a really good artist, really abstract stuff which gives a fascinating insight into what is going on in his head. I think its a lovely way for him to communicate. Everyone in our family is very proud of him and he is very happy, so all good. He too has moved on a great deal since he was a child, work has helped him enormously in social situations and especially now he is working with the public. Its good that your boys have each other though, my cousin really struggled at school, he was an only child.

[aycheb.livejournal.com]

That's very encouraging especially that he's happy. I do worry how the boys will manage when they eventually leave school. They're basically quite bright so I can see them working through the remaining language problems but they would need an understanding boss if they ever got jobs. They've no artistic talent, they take after me there, but they love to dance and tell jokes.

[ninerva.livejournal.com]

There is a lot more awareness now than there ever was. I don't think Asbergers was even seen as different back when my cousin was at school. He went to a main stream school, but was considered different in an undefinable way. As it happens my friend is working for the National Autistic Society and since she started in the field there is a lot more going on to help with developing social skills in adulthood. Did you know Patrick Moore has asbergers? as do lots of top people in their fields. Your boys have a bright future ahead of them. I've no doubt they will be very happy and very acomplished in whatever field they choose.