Public perception of autistic traits

Hi,


husband of DIL back again. At the weekend, a relation was doing a sponsored run and raising money for NAS. My boys went along to support and after boredom kicked in, the "normal" one threw a wobbler which involved shouting, screaming and demanding a balloon. This lasted an hour and my wife was asked by a stranger how long my son had been diagnosed with autism. This was despite my autistic son wearing the "I'm not naughty I've got Autism" t-shirt standing nearby. He was exceptionally well behaved I must add.

This to me highlights the general lack of understanding of what autism can mean. I too have been there and tut-tutted when a child has mis-behaved horrendously on a plane for example. With the knowledge I have gained I can look back and question my emotions. The point being is that making people (ALL teachers would be ideal) aware of autism and its traits would mean a more understanding and probably helpfull reaction. Idealistic I know but one can hope.

Reading a bed time story last night, my son kept mentioning the word "school". As he has just began big normal school I felt dread. I asked "do you want to go to school" and he said yes and smiled. Woohoo - I know he isn't learning much but the fact he is happy and wants to go, is a huge bonus at the moment. Little things like this you tend to grasp and use as a piece of sunshine.

Finally the sun has come out and we are thinking of a few days away on the east coast. Playing on the beach is so soothing for the boys and us parents too. The sea air makes them incredibly hungry and its great to see them eat a lot even if it is holiday food. :-)

Have a good day!!!

A new school year - a new beginning?

Hi,

husband of DIL here. After a year of non-blogs I thought I would pick up the baton for my wife especially as a new school term has just begun for our "special" child.

He is now 4 years old and began primary school this week. It is a regular school and has a shadow. This is not ideal of course but the school we wanted that handles/specialises for children on the spectrum is wildly oversubscribed. Thus he will be there until at least January.
He stands out so much and it really hit home when on his first day we took him into his class. First thing he did was to go to the toilets and play with the doors. Open, shut, open, shut. He hadn't even noticed his shadow and it was painfully obvious he isn't likely to thrive. He NEEDS the special school and it just does not seem fair he will have to struggle so much before he will be considered again for a move. He deserves better!! I understand the school will do the best they can, as will the shadow but it is simply not fair.

He is still on the special soya milk and has the aversion to flys, fans, hoovers, etc. On the plus side he is out of nappies at last. However, we have recently moved house and he seems to be unsettled by this and leaves us "gifts" on the carpet. How do you explain to him that we have moved house and this will be home for the next few years. It is safe, warm and all his favourite reinforcers (including daddy) are around him. I just want to have a conversation with him to tell him everything is fine, we love you and we are doing our best!!! OK, I can tell him but will he understand? No.

A new-ish trait he has discovered is a high pitched scream when he dislikes something. This could range from Pingu crying on DVD or from a toy he is playing with not working properly. Alas, this sometimes just happens for reasons we cant work out. As you can imagine its quite hard when in public and a loud scream is heard in Tescos, McDs or even if we dared try and go to a proper restaurant!!!! To be honest, the stares from outsiders can get you down but most of the time you become oblivious to it and concentrate on looking after your family.

We are looking at a family holiday now we have moved. We aren't brave enough yet to try a confined space like a plane for a few hours so sunny UK it is!!! Centerparcs is probably the option as we have had a good time previously. We can then load the car up with reinforcers to ease any stress.

Educational progress has been slow but he can now count to ten, kind of say his ABC and stumble through a nursery rhyme or two. However, if its anything to do with a computer game on Cbeebies, a DVD player or his Nana's video then he is an expert. Anything electrical is a fascination and he laps it up. I was thinking of getting him to rewire our house. : - )

The sun is shining and this weekend will be nice so we will hit the local park and a cool farm. Outdoor activities for my boys so they have fun, get knackered and go to bed on time!!!

Have a great day!!
DIL's hubby.