Adventures in Autism

This post will be one of my few almost serious posts.  I promise not to do it too often.  I have a reputation to maintain.

My 4 year old has Autism.  I've known he was different since birth, and the "A" word was used for the first time when he was 15 months old.   I truly believe that early, intense intervention has made a HUGE difference for not only his future, but ours.  Is everyday a walk in the park?  Hell no!  Do I drink more coffee and wine than the FDA recommends?  You bet!  Is there something to laugh about every day?  Absofreakinglutely!  You have to keep a sense of humor or you just won't make it!

Here area  few memories that make us smile a bunch around here....

1) I think all boys are fascinated with their man parts, but when Clay discovered his it was like a whole new world had just been unlocked.  He could not keep his hands off of his junk. We were waiting in the therapist's office and I said, "Do you need to go potty?"  He ignored me, and kept right on playing.  "Clay, do you need to go potty?"  Again...nothing.  "Clay?  Mommy is talking to you."  Very agitated he looked at me and said, "I don't need to potty!  I just want to touch my penis!!"  Alrighty then.  The good news (?) is that one of my nephews did the same thing and he's neurotypical.

2)  Clay can imitate anything.  We call him our little Rainman.  He knows all the words (at least how he hears them) to the Red Hot Chili Peppers songs "Snow" and "Under the Bridge" and "These Days" by Foo Fighters.  He listens to them on repeat and sing along....especially in the grocery store.  He will take my phone, find the songs and play them on full volume.  I've tried to turn it down and he just gets mad.  The best is when I was complimented on what must be excellent parenting as evident by my child's choice in music.

3)  This last one happened today.  Clay was the "Ambassador" in class today, which means he was the line leader, lead calendar/weather during circle time, and was the teacher's first helper.  As a reward, he got to choose a prize from the treasure chest.  He chose some new teeth.

Isn't he handsome?

It's a rarity that I have him alone on a weekday, so I asked if he wanted to go to lunch at Freebirds.  He loves Freebirds and the staff is always so genuine and helpful.  They might bar the door the next time they see us coming, though.  Those teeth ended up being launched over the glass into the corn salsa.  

Here's the thing, people.  You can cry or you can laugh.  Lord knows I shed enough tears, and I'm grateful for those moments when I can throw my head back and laugh with my little dude.  Even if he does need some dental work.

I'm still trying to understand why people were staring at us.....