As many of my friends and clients know, I have an autistic nephew, R.E. R.E., who is 9 years old, can repeat an entire movie scene to you about 30 times a day. He can run around and around the exterior of his house without stopping over and over and over again. This boy has A LOT of energy. He also has the sweetest disposition, absolutely adores his sister and cousins, and has eyes which will melt you.
One of my favorite things to do with my own children is to sit with them in my lap and read a book together. I love experiencing the anticipation of the next page and the warmth of my young children bonding while sitting together sharing. My brother doesn't get to sit with RE on his lap reading Dr. Seuss or other childhood tales. R.E., like many autistic children isn't big into physical touch. While RE will give hugs to show his love, they are mostly hugs without a lot of touch. Its just his way.
I don't get to spend as much time as I would like with my brother and his family, as they live in Illinois. Nonetheless, I can see from my window into his life how difficult it is to raise a child with Autism. You have to be "on" all the time! You have to research kid stuff, but on a much greater degree. Special diets, special medications, special education plans, specialty camps, special babysitters--the list can become overwhelming! My kids go to the dentist and we don't plan the one hour activity out for months in advance. R.E. had to have some cavities filled--in the hospital during a 5 hour general anesthetic surgery after months of arrangements with the insurance company.
Parents with "typical developing" children, when you spot a mom with an autistic child having a "melt down" in the HEB or the playground or wherever, remember, that mom is probably one hundred times more exhausted than you--and, she could probably use a hug.
One of my favorite things to do with my own children is to sit with them in my lap and read a book together. I love experiencing the anticipation of the next page and the warmth of my young children bonding while sitting together sharing. My brother doesn't get to sit with RE on his lap reading Dr. Seuss or other childhood tales. R.E., like many autistic children isn't big into physical touch. While RE will give hugs to show his love, they are mostly hugs without a lot of touch. Its just his way.
I don't get to spend as much time as I would like with my brother and his family, as they live in Illinois. Nonetheless, I can see from my window into his life how difficult it is to raise a child with Autism. You have to be "on" all the time! You have to research kid stuff, but on a much greater degree. Special diets, special medications, special education plans, specialty camps, special babysitters--the list can become overwhelming! My kids go to the dentist and we don't plan the one hour activity out for months in advance. R.E. had to have some cavities filled--in the hospital during a 5 hour general anesthetic surgery after months of arrangements with the insurance company.
Parents with "typical developing" children, when you spot a mom with an autistic child having a "melt down" in the HEB or the playground or wherever, remember, that mom is probably one hundred times more exhausted than you--and, she could probably use a hug.
To learn more about legal planning for families with children who have special needs, visit Julia Nickerson's website for more information or call our office at 512-461-1383.
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