September 2, 2024
My Autistic Son’s Unexpected Show of Love
Something beautiful happened today with my oldest son, Cooper.
He is 13 years old and has a disability.
He was three years old when they told me he had autism.
Severe nonverbal autism they said.
What followed was a list of all the things he would supposedly never do.
Brick by brick the predictions were made.
Each one crushed me.
I’ll tell you at age 13 he amazes me every single day. I won’t say it’s easy. For him. For us. But it’s good. Amazing even.
Today I was upset. Something bad happened to me.
And I found myself angry.
There was an arguement. Which my husband and I try hard not to do in front of our kids. Especially Cooper.
See he gets very upset. He matches the energy in the room. He yells. He cries. He feels and he shares.
That didn’t happen today.
Instead he followed me into the bedroom.
I sat on the bed.
He sat next to me.
He touched my face.
He hugged me.
He kissed my forehead.
And then he signed…’thank you.’
It was unbelievable really.
See he doesn’t offer hugs all the much. And he never kisses. Maybe five times in his whole life.
But today. Wow.
He gave me exactly what I needed.
‘Autistic kids don’t show love. They are often cold.’
That’s what someone told me after he was diagnosed. That brick nearly broke me.
It takes time I say. Autism. Growing up. Life. Parenting.
It all takes time.
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.
