Today was the last day of Christopher's swimming lessons.
It has also been ONE year since his diagnosis.
Remember when I told you a year ago (like you really do) that I was telling you about his diagnosis purely for selfish reasons?
I was telling you so that I could look back and see how far we have come.
Boy, have we come far.
It was one year ago that I realized that something wasn't right.
We were at our first day of swimming lessons.
We entered the building and he immediately started complaining about the smell.
He was so worried about the smell.
They asked him to shower before going to the pool.
He screamed and cried and was TERRIFIED of the shower.
We got to the pool and he put his hands over his ears and screamed at the top of his lungs for 20 minutes straight.
We finally got him in the pool and I watched him anxiously.
He ignored the other kids. His teachers would call and call his name and he wouldn't even turn around. It was as if he couldn't hear.
He was terrified of the slide, terrified of waiting in a line, terrified by the sound of the diving board.
I was shocked and horrified. What is wrong with my happy, sweet boy?
Thus began a year of doctors, therapy, interviews, worry, tears, even despair.
HOWEVER . . .
I have learned so much in a year.
I've learned that autism is not my son.
He is an incredible boy that has the trial of pushing through this disorder that has taken over his little body.
I've learned that even though he is small, he is stronger than anyone I know.
I've learned that I can do things I never thought possible.
I can push through despair and worry to help my child.
Wanna know how this year's swimming lessons went??
He took a shower without too much hesitation.
He still hates the feel of it, but he is brave.
He was all smiles when he got in the pool.
He listened to his teachers and had a blast with the other kids.
He waited in a line and he went down the slide. (he even went off the diving board)
I read a good article by a mom of an autistic daughter. She said that as a mother of an autistic child you will form a team of people that you will love. Love, more than they will love you. It is beyond true. I love his team of doctors and therapists who are helping my son gain confidence and overcome his fears.
What an amazing year.
Lots of sad blog posts (sorry).
But, hopefully, lots of very happy ones to come.
Thanks for listening.
Remember when I told you a year ago (like you really do) that I was telling you about his diagnosis purely for selfish reasons?
I was telling you so that I could look back and see how far we have come.
Boy, have we come far.
It was one year ago that I realized that something wasn't right.
We were at our first day of swimming lessons.
We entered the building and he immediately started complaining about the smell.
He was so worried about the smell.
They asked him to shower before going to the pool.
He screamed and cried and was TERRIFIED of the shower.
We got to the pool and he put his hands over his ears and screamed at the top of his lungs for 20 minutes straight.
We finally got him in the pool and I watched him anxiously.
He ignored the other kids. His teachers would call and call his name and he wouldn't even turn around. It was as if he couldn't hear.
He was terrified of the slide, terrified of waiting in a line, terrified by the sound of the diving board.
I was shocked and horrified. What is wrong with my happy, sweet boy?
Thus began a year of doctors, therapy, interviews, worry, tears, even despair.
HOWEVER . . .
I have learned so much in a year.
I've learned that autism is not my son.
He is an incredible boy that has the trial of pushing through this disorder that has taken over his little body.
I've learned that even though he is small, he is stronger than anyone I know.
I've learned that I can do things I never thought possible.
I can push through despair and worry to help my child.
Wanna know how this year's swimming lessons went??
He took a shower without too much hesitation.
He still hates the feel of it, but he is brave.
He was all smiles when he got in the pool.
He listened to his teachers and had a blast with the other kids.
He waited in a line and he went down the slide. (he even went off the diving board)
I read a good article by a mom of an autistic daughter. She said that as a mother of an autistic child you will form a team of people that you will love. Love, more than they will love you. It is beyond true. I love his team of doctors and therapists who are helping my son gain confidence and overcome his fears.
What an amazing year.
Lots of sad blog posts (sorry).
But, hopefully, lots of very happy ones to come.
Thanks for listening.
