Last night, preparing for bed, you had one of ‘those’ behaviors…
You know, the kind the world wouldn’t understand…
-the kind that makes people uncomfortable and makes them shift in their seats…
You had a wonderful BIRTH-day,
-we celebrated with you before you left for work
-at work, they sang to you, and everyone signed a card for you
-last night we celebrated at a “restaurant” and with “pizza” (as you told us on your Talker).
-you opened your gifts, ate your ice cream and cake
-you had a full day of joy!
Last night, as we prepared for bed, I reminded you that you and Jessica are going to the respite center this weekend for a couple of days.
You typically enjoy going, but last night, you yelled, hit your chest, and acted out…
-as I held your hands and calmly talked to you, I wondered how others would treat these behaviors when I’m not around.
-will they be calm with you, too, and talk you through it?
-will they respond in your elevated voice and yell back?
-will they hurt you?
To look at you, you most times look normal, but if they stick around a few minutes, they might pick up on the nuances that don’t define you but are a piece of the autism that riddles you…
I know you were tired after such a full day, and I can only hope that is all it was.
Please be kind to my son… If you see him having one of these behaviors that he can’t put into words… respond with compassion and calmness. He means you no harm; he can’t wrap all his faculties around what he is feeling and can’t express.
Not only my son but all the others out there, like Sam.
-they need us to be their voice
-they need us to sit with them until this ‘feeling’ passes
-and speak up! Speak up if you see others being aggressive in return.
My Son, on this your 33rd birthday, I still pray for a miracle. In the meantime, I pray God sends angels in human form to watch over you when Dad and I can’t be with you. May this be the BEST year yet!!
We love you Sam! ❤
SHEILA BOUCHARD 