I was out shopping today at Caitlin's favorite store...Target. I was buying last minute items for school. Caitlin's shoes...which she is so picky about, Meaghan's undies, and socks for the boys.
We were recognized a handful of times by some other shoppers. They congratulated us on our new home and told us how beautiful our children are.
Upon checking out, I noticed a tall young man in front of me. He wanted a soda. The young lady with him told him he had enough sugar for the day and could have water. He shook his head up and down in agreement.
This young woman then asked the young man to move forward so I could put my items on the belt. He obliged. He then started to smile, then giggle, then flap his hands in front of his face....
Ah...AUTISM.
I asked the young lady how old he was. She told me 16. I asked what grade...she told me 10th...
Exactly like Caitlin.
I turned around and Caitlin was giggling and flapping her hands in a very similar way as the young man.
When we were leaving the store, Deirdre asked me if the young man I was speaking with was autistic. I told her yes. She said, "I thought so, because he acted alot like Caitlin".
It pleases me to see these young adults out in public. Not wearing their pants so low that you can see their butts...not yelling obscenities at each other....not needing to defy authority in any way, shape or form....
Just young people happy to be at one of their favorite stores...lightly buzzing and flapping their hands. Two 16 -year old teens behaving and waiting their turns until they will be rewarded with a cold drink.
I realize people want more for their children. I do too. I expect all of my children to attend college. They do not have to attend Yale, but Harvard would be nice.
I expect them all to contribute to society in whatever they are capable of doing. I would expect this if they were not autistic...so this label does not stop me from wanting the same results from them.
School starts Monday...
Caitlin-10th grade
Deirdre-8th grade
Erin-5th grade
Meaghan-4th grade
Patrick-2nd grade and
Kiernan-1st grade.
These children will be expected to remain on the honor roll, have great behaviors at school and continue their extracurricular activities.
So far, we are RIGHT ON TARGET.....
About Me
- Mom26children
- I am the proud mother of 6 children. 5 of our children have autism. We do not feel our world has ended, but just begun. We do not chelate, intervene biochemically, give shots of any kind, practice ABA, etc. We treat them as we treat any humanbeing. We treat them with kindness and respect and expect the same from them. They are exceptional children.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
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11 comments:
I hope they all shoot tight groups this year.
Fourth, third and second grades for us, and Target is our favourite shop too.
Best wishes
awesome story. I always enjoy reading about your family
BWH,
I expect nothing but....
Hope all is well in your part of the state....
Jeanette
Hi mcewen,
Your kids are as close together as ours....
Best wishes to you and your family also.
Jeanette
"I expect them all to contribute to society in whatever they are capable of doing."
I think you're doing a great job of leading by example. I imagine six kids in and of themselves could present constraints on your time. I'm glad you make time contribute by writing posts like this.
Yes indeed...getting 6 ready for school is a challenge! Bobby(13)-8th, Emma(9)-4th, Nephi(8)-3rd, Sarah(5)-half day at the Autism school and half day at Kindergarten, Ammon(3)-full day preschool at the Autism school and Mary(2)half day preschool at the Autism school here in Salt Lake City.
Mom deals with her depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia issues and having all the children in school will help give her a break. She loves them dearly, but she does need it. AND it won't be so bad to come home to a wife who is a bit less frazzled at the end of the day.
Ahhhh Tarzhay and back to school shopping! We have our first grader and our PreK4 this year. Next year will be earth shattering with Kindergarten and Second grade! YIKES!
And, Judging by the way other moms smile and nod when they see my guys, I am sure they "know" about my kids. I am proud they behave. But I learned my lesson once. Never, EVER go in when they are hungry (right before lunch) and expect them NOT to have a meltdown abotu getting goldfish crackers!
Hi Goddess,
We are required to buy the popcorn and a few pretzels upon entering Target. Kiernan will have it no other way. Also, my little healthy girl, Meaghan, has her smoothie.
School started today...YEAH.
Jeanette
Honor roll? I just want mine to stay away from the toilet roll! ;) Happy first days of school to you and yours from me and mine. I love seeing another parent and giving that knowing "nod." We need a secret autism handshake. Well, maybe we don't. Sometimes we are pretty obvious! We had a great first day of school. Miss G's teacher wants to immediately bump up her inclusion. HOORAY!
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