March 19, 2023
Understanding My Son’s Autism
I am not autistic, my son is. And I spend much of time trying to understand him so I can be a better advocate.
How he thinks.
How he processes.
Why he likes certain things.
Or doesn’t like others.
And how I can help him understand this world that wasn’t really made for him.
His brain often feels a bit confusing to me. Mysterious even. Intriguing at the same time.
Autism. Blurring the edges a bit. Touching all of his parts.
Yesterday, as we were driving together, Cooper saw a pool. And let me tell you this kid loves swimming. It’s his most favorite thing to do. That I know.
He pointed and said ‘PPP’ for pool. Loud and deliberate. A word. Communication.
I smiled and explained to him that it’s still winter in Minnesota.
We talked about seasons and snow and cold. And all the things we can do when summer gets here.
He smiled and laughed and processed what I was explaining and waved goodbye to the pool.
And that was that.
When we got home, he immediately went to our kitchen and to the timer on our stove.
Pointed, asking me nonverbally to set the timer for something. But I didn’t know what for.
And with one push of a button his speech device said….SUMMER.
SUMMER. SUMMER. SUMMER.
He was asking me set a timer for summer.
I have never smiled so big.
He loves timers and calendars and lists. He loves making confusing things black and white.
He loves knowing what’s coming next and the exact moment when something will happen.
Those things bring him comfort.
Oh how I wish I could set a timer for summer for him. But it doesn’t work like that.
I’m pretty sure we will be swimming early this year. Long before summer.
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. You can also follow us on Facebook.
