My Boy: Part 54

We made it from Connecticut to Florida and back driving. We took a road trip to Disney World for Spring break. It was a 22 hour trip but really did not seem that long. Jorge Juan was awesome. He did very well. I was so surprised at how well he maintained himself. He slept. He kept busy. He played. He watched out the window. I was really proud of him. He made the trip easier. It is a long way for anyone especially a child and one who is on the spectrum at that. We stopped plenty of times to eat and take a break. Jorge Juan enjoyed it all along the way. He brought along his backpack of toys but did not need to take them all out. He was good with a few of them. He never once complained but did cry to sit all the way in the back. He did not want to sit in the middle. He insisted on being all the way back. So once he sat there, he was fine. Very surprised he lasted that ling. It still amazes me. I would have never imagined bringing him on a road trio a couple years ago. Even now we did not know what to expect but everything worked out because we had faith in it.






So we made it to Disney. We all loved it. By the end of the day we were super exhausted. Jorge lasted all day. We were there for about 11 hours walking around and such. He walked the entire time. Of course taking sitting breaks on the trolley and train but other than that Jorge Juan walked and walked without crying or complaining. We were so blessed. It was amazing. Not even once did we need to think of tenting a stroller. The excitement took over him. It was great. Very tiring but all worth it. I forgot, as many times I do, that my son is on the autism spectrum. It amazes me. There are days I do not even think about autism. There's always a bright side to it all. I wouldn't change my son for the world. What a difference early intervention and therapies make along with unwavering faith and determination. We will succeed. 






So he got to meet Woody and Jessie. Mickey!! We saw him too along with others. It was a very memorable experience that I wish all children can have. He asked a million questions there and back, lined up his toys at the vacation home, flapped here and there but that's just him. He is a boy first, autism is secondary and nothing will stop him. Going back a few years, I remember hearing silence. He wasn't soeaking yet. So, these questions upon questions are blessings in disguise and are very welcome even when we do not have the answers.






I love my piece of the puzzle. Everyday is a new experience and we learn so many valuable things from him. We do not know what we would do without Jorge Juan. We have seen many challenging days in the past. We have seen many appointments. We have seen many therapies, sessions, meetings, IEPs, sleepless nights, fidgeting, flapping, stunning and so on. But we made it through. As I look back, it made us stronger. When Jorge was not speaking, I did not know when he would be able to or if he would be able to properly but I just knew I had to hear his voice. As always, I will still be his voice. Spreading autism awareness. There's no discrimination. It is a whole spectrum. It is diverse. Education is key.

My Boy: Part 24

Yesterday at Karate...just could not get Jorge to stay in line and focus. Once that music went on for the obstacle course, he started moving. Shaking, jumping, kicking and all sorts of flapping. It was some techno type music
It really got him pumped. He became over stimulated and could not snap out of it. Needless to say he missed his turn because he was just bouncing around in the moment. I have not seen him like that in such a long time. The loud music and lights just over stimulated his senses. I have video of him doing super high karate kicks and poses and going with the rhythm. At the time, I keep telling him to get back back in line over and over again. It just was not happening. I could not get through. When I gave it some thought I realized he was stimming and for a long time at that. He did not hurt himself or anyone else so I am good with that. His karate Master knows he has Autism and understands. The parents really do not know. They think he is so funny and they laugh as if he was the class clown. Some things he does are funny but I wish the parents could understand. I mean this hasn't happened for a very long time. The extent of the stimming and all...I just want more awareness. Awareness is what is needed. Autism is not contagious. Its his super ability.






Sometimes it happens and many times, it does not. I just wonder what it's like inside of his brain while all of this is happening. I bet it is magical.
Thank you everyone!!!

Dany

My Boy:Part 22

Jorge was Batman for Halloween. He loved it so much. He kept his mask on longer than I thought he would. He had so much fun looking at all of the other children walking around the mall in their costumes. He did say trick or treat a few times and thank you as well. I was so proud of him. He did not have a sensory overload. It was a lot to take on. The lights were bright. There were a lot of people and it was crowded. The noise and surrounding sounds.were full force. He was in his own world, enjoying the festivities. After a while, he did not care about collecting candy and he wanted to play. I took him to the play area and he had a blast running around with the other children dressed up too.






I would not have expected this last year. I believe it would have been all too much but as always Jorge seems to keep proving Autism wrong. Its like he's saying, "you're not going to win." This is true. Autism is not going to win. Jorge is going to win. With the attitude of Autism being a super ability,we got it in the bag. We're on a mission, an important one at that. We will continue to triumph over the days that seem to overwhelm and turn every negative into a positive one. You can too!!! Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for part 23 coming very soon. As always, questions and comments welcome. Autism is a journey. Its about perception and perceverence. Its about love, faith and hope. Its about removing the disability status and reclaiming our children as indigos with super abilities. We can do it!!!
With love,
Dany