It's been 2 years since Alex was diagnosed. A lot has happened in that time.
- He has embraced who he has and has learned how Autism can both help him, and also make things difficult at time. It's not a disability, because he can still do anything he wants to do.
- He is beginning to come out of his shell and his great personality will shine through periodically at school! This is the most exciting thing for me, that others get to see how amazing Alex is.
- He is running track! His stimming is running. I want to turn that stim into something constructive. The second day I get a phone call after school. "Mom, they are going outside." "Yes Alex, that is where the track is." "But it's cold. I only go outside if it's 60 degrees or warmer." I re-explained that is why he has all those layers in his locker, and told him to go put them on and get out to the track. He did. And there have not been any fights since.
We really try to push Alex's strengths. He's an amazing kid, and most of the time, you'd never know.
Diagnosing him was the right thing to do. It has really helped put so many things in perspective for both him and me.
Remember, the spectrum is large. Each child is different. If you see a child having a fit, or covering their ears, or making a noise, or doing something like running back and forth, don't judge. That child will change the world.
