Ramblings....

It's a new month and spring is in the air.  The year has just zipped by and I am shaking my head in disbelief that I am getting closer to 50. I don't feel old enough to have two teenagers. I am too young to have such noticeable grey hair, although I admit I can only see those wiry strands if I put my glasses on! Age gives me a reminder each time I try to apply eyeliner, time to invest in a magnifying mirror, me thinks! For the fun of it I googled grey hair and wrinkles. Look who appeared on the top line! :-)

I have removed the yummy picture of George Clooney!! :)

Age has also given me a deeper understanding of parenting, especially the parenting of a child with severe autism. In reality I shouldn't say that my son is severe and I really dislike the label 'low functioning' as it immediately lowers expectations. I need to change my mindset and start using the word *classic*.

I have discovered over the last couple of years that it is important for me to become more involved in guiding my boy. Yes, RDI has a huge hand in this and I am thankful that I have chosen this path. Each week brings about a special moment (or more) that is cause for celebration. The severity of my son's autism is decreasing.

For sure, it goes without saying that my son has many challengers. After all he attends a special needs school and has regular Speech Therapy, O.T and Physio? One of his favourite TV programs is Bananas in Pyjamas (yes, I know all the words of the song and I can sing it in an Aussie accent!). We still play chase down the corridor at bed time and he keeps asking for more. Not really appropriate for a boy of 13, but so what!

This year has been a learning experience for me in many ways. I like to think that I have become a better person. A person who has become more open minded and flexible in my approach to people and their beliefs. Even though I keep up to date with what is happing out there in the wider autism community, I chose not to involve myself in heavy duty autism discussions on the net. It is not worth the grief. My mantra is do not judge....

My boy continues to progress slowly but surely. He is an absolute delight and I know that I am incredibly fortunate to have such a gentle soul for a son. 

My latest facebook status comes to mind.... "I am outside the gate at Kids First (they don't know I am here). I can hear lots of laughter. Nick has a water blaster and is chasing the gang around the garden..... love it. :)". It is moments like these that make life worthwhile.

~*~