I live in a world of ASD, ABA, IEP, GFCF,OT, PT, OCD, ADHD, SIB's, EI, PDD-NOS, PROMPT,inclusion, brushing, sensory diets,input seeking, stimming, flapping, perseveration, echolalia, pica, etc... I know some of you reading this right now are like "what the what?" Please google. Mama's tired. But those of you that haven't been voted off the island, you all know what I mean. You may not know where your car keys are but dammit you can rattle off your kid's APGAR scores still.
I come from an unusual if not lucky position. I was in the biz before we decide to "go pro". Working in a special needs school. Who knew it was a much needed internship for my future. So some of the language was familiar but let me tell you, no less scary or confusing. And every now and the husband looks at me like a U.N. translator at our school meetings. Even after all these years it can be culture shock to be in this autism land.
It's taken some time to get used to the customs of this place. How the inhabitants often don't care for eye contact but on the upside they don't rudely stare at you if make a cultural faux pas. A quick high five with minimal contact is way better than a firm handshake and when you're happy and you know it flap your hands! I'm so up my kid's bum to adapt to my world when I really ought to give him some of the same respect. So yeah, rocking back and forth and pacing does feel pretty good and really it's not much different than just swaying to the music. Hell, Quiet Riot told us to "Bang Your Head" and to "Come on feel the noise". Perhaps they were just totally aware of the joys of sensory seeking behavior.
So it looks like I'm here to stay. Really it's not like I got a choice to go. I guess I'll just dive right in with the natives and order another side of fries.
So it looks like I'm here to stay. Really it's not like I got a choice to go. I guess I'll just dive right in with the natives and order another side of fries.
You know, at first I was thinking "How can I get voted off this island? Pick me, pick me!" But then when I read on down to another of your beautiful 80's rock references, I thought "Maybe this island's not so lonely after all." Thanks for that :)
ReplyDeletei love the music references that was funny. its so nice to know there are others going through this. I think you are doing a great job
ReplyDeleteYour son is one lucky Fry and we all thank you for helping those of us who love people with autism to speak out and express the reality without the glitz Hollywood likes to put on it..it's real, it can be painful, and it can be so rewarding.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog!!! My daughter was just diagnosed back in July of this year with Aspergers. Holy wow is this ride scary!! I read your blog and said wow I am not the only one that is here on this island and I am not the only one that says if Quiet Riot says bang your head than it has to be okay! Thank you thank you thank you for your funny and yet helpful blogs!!! Keep right on rockin!!!
ReplyDeleteI will totally have Quiet Riot stuck in my head now. And yes, rocking back and forth does feel good!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE this post!! And as far as rocking goes, I've become a pro at rocking on the floor with my oldest while singing "Row, row, row your boat" :)
ReplyDeleteHeh. I seriously relate to my son's screaming & throwing & slamming stuff when he's upset. I mean, I want to scream & throw stuff & slam doors or my fist into a table when I'm frustrated too!
ReplyDelete