Nicky’s ability to communicate his emotions and feelings verbally (or in writing) is very limited. He still can’t tell me if he is sick, or in pain, he can’t express how he feels about most things, or spontaneously tell me he loves me. He communicates most emotions very simply; smiles, laughter, anger or crying. He has just learned the response “I am fine” in response to being asked how he is doing. I know he has feelings but he just can’t get them out.
For this reason the phrase “Out of the Mouths of Babes” takes on very special meaning when the babe has autism. Last week one of Nicky’s therapists asked if I wanted to read a story written by one of his students (a high functioning child with autism) that he was really proud of. My response “Of Course”! I leaped at the chance to hear one of our kids thoughts being communicated it’s my only door into how Nicky might be viewing the world. I was so impressed that he was able to communicate his feelings and tell "His" story, and share his very special perspective. I was so moved by this young man’s story I got permission to share it with you.
I hope one day Nicky will be able to write about how he is feeling. I am sure I won't be happy about everything he has to say, but I know I will be overjoyed that he was able to say it!!!
PS: You might need a tissue for this one.
MY AUTISM EXPERIENCE
Author, unnamed
When I was thirteen I was in middle school when I learned the truth. A student in my homeroom class asked me if I was autistic? I was shocked and realized after all these years that was the reason why my behaviors were out my control. I went home to think about the question more. I didn’t even want to share my feeling the my family. I felt it was too personal and unbearable.
Otherwise, I would have been extremely miserable beyond imagination. In fact, I would cry once in a while whenever the flashbacks visited my heart; When I was asked the same question at 13 that day, I said this one thing in my mind “Well I’ll be, that explains a lot, after all these years; I at least learned the truth, and THANK GOD”.
It was hard to believe that I was ever developmentally disabled. Otherwise I would’ve been completely sorrowful for my entire lifetime.
No comments:
Post a Comment