"I am sorry. My son has Autism"

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Registered: 03-26-2003
"I am sorry. My son has Autism"
8
Thu, 06-28-2007 - 3:15pm

Words I think I can say in my sleep.

Yesterday this happened again at another activity and a weird thing dawned on me. It suddenly occured to me how easy it has become for me to approach strangers and say this. Though the situation in which the need occurs still sucks, with frequency this practice has become second nature and no longer causes anxiety.

It was karate night and due to some schedule changes and what not, Mike had a very negative interaction with a teen girl in the class. I couldn't hear or see exactly what transpired but soon after she made a very loud, rude comment toward him. He had obviously upset her. This girl is rather large and not very good at karate. She also can tend toward a bad attitude and I know Mike would not be above mentioning any or all of these things in a very socially inappropriate manner. This girl doesn't seem very tolerant of Mike and she had started bugging him about something she assumed he was doing wrong. Being really nasty has been a very effective way for him to get people to get away from him so I think that is what happened.

The rest of the night was weird. Mike was obsessing on trying to get near the girl when they were practicing thier form. Had to threaten no electronics to get him to leave her alone.

HOWEVER! HUGE accomplishment in this!

For most of the class after this Mike was flapping and doing lines from LOTR. ON the way home I asked him to stop with the lines and said it was time he had been doing the same one all class and he told me that HE was trying to CALM DOWN and doing the lines and flapping HELPS HIM DO THAT!

That is the FIRST TIME EVER he has been able to communicate that and I think even realize that this is something that helps him.

WHOO HOOO on that one!

Renee

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Registered: 11-28-2006
Thu, 06-28-2007 - 4:25pm

For him to finally realize, okay, I'm upset and I need to do this to help me cope is such a great step! We all need to learn coping skills, but its especially important for our sn kids.

When I read the title I thought Oh no, something happened in public and you had to hand a card out or something. I'm glad to read something positive!

Lainie

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2003
Thu, 06-28-2007 - 5:34pm

Wow...that is HUGE, Renee! Can't think of a better way to end a rather frustrating series of events.

Amy

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Registered: 03-20-2003
Thu, 06-28-2007 - 9:47pm

Renee, that is SO cool.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-13-2003
Thu, 06-28-2007 - 10:27pm

Yeah! That's awesome! I heard those are the kinds of things that will happen as they get older and it makes me happy for you both.

Molly

Molly
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Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 06-29-2007 - 12:07am

Wow, Renee......what a HUGE connection for Mike. It must feel good for him (and you) to come to that realization.

All I can say is, "WOW!!!!:"

Chrystee

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Registered: 10-03-2004
Fri, 06-29-2007 - 12:12pm

Dear Renee,

HOORAY FOR MIKE!!!

MIKE ROCKS!!!

And so do you, Renee...

Sara

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-29-2004
Fri, 06-29-2007 - 5:19pm

WOW!! Huge improvement if he can associate feeling to take appropriate action (that doesn't involve another person) and can vocalize it too.

Good job Mike,
Anandhi

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 06-29-2007 - 5:58pm

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