He is Doing His Best

A while back we visited an arcade. It was a big adventure for our little family.

Our middle son loves all things game. The baby loves tagging after his older brother.

And Cooper, our eldest son, he is just starting to take in the world outside of our home. He loves exploring and experiencing the world on his own terms.

He is eleven years old. He loves trains and postcards with animals on them. He also has autism. He is autistic. And according to some, nonspeaking.

But he has so much to say and tell us.

These are his descriptions written on the piece of paper in my drawer in a file marked, Cooper’s Med Stuff.

But in real life, our day to day, we don’t mention that. He’s Cooper.

He’s the happiest person I’ve ever met.

The arcade was interesting. He didn’t see games to play. Or understand what he was supposed to do there.

Instead, he laid down on the mini golf course and laughed when the green prickly fake grass touched his cheek.

He saw the ski ball game and gasped at the numbers. He also thought the alleyway was a perfect place to sit and was confused when we told him it wasn’t for climbing.

He saw a metal screen and squealed at the noise it made when he tapped it repeatedly.

He liked the lights. And sitting at the games with the giant screens. It never crossed his mind to put money in one.

The place was mostly empty…which was good for him. Then he can explore. And we can relax and be ourselves, free from judgement.

At one point he got frustrated. He wanted to go home. He wanted his two penguin movies that Amazon is delivering this week. He wanted something he couldn’t tell us.

He dropped to the ground. I stood over him. He yelled. I waited.

I looked up and made eye contact with two employees as we worked through it.

I smiled. They averted their eyes.

I thought for a second what would I say if I could. What would I say if they were closer?

Would I say it’s autism?

Would I explain his world?

Would I make an excuse or apologize?

The answer is no. Not anymore.

What I would say with confidence is…

He is doing is best. Because that is the truth.

Please know when you see a person with different abilities. Call it a disability. Call it special needs. Call it autism.

Please know that they are doing their best.

Overall, he did great. After we went for ice cream. And then watched a movie.

It was a good day.

We went to an arcade as a family. And that’s our best so far.

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and join our supporter page, Coop’s Troops, for an amazing community full of support and understanding.