Before we got thrown head first into the autism pool, I held the same very stereotypical views about people with autism (and parents or caregivers of children with special needs), such as:
- They never make eye contact
- They aren’t affectionate
- They are in ‘their own world’
- Their parents are given superpowers as soon as the diagnosis comes
- That it’s rude to ask parents about their child’s disability. They don’t want to talk about it
etc. I’m pretty sure everyone has the same kind of ‘rain man’ view about it. It’s not anyone’s fault, just like it wasn’t mine before we had Casey. I’ve come to learn though that autism is one of those diseases (and yes, it’s a disease. ooooh, I’ve got a diatribe about this…I’ll post it at the end) that affects each person who has it SO differently. No two children on the spectrum are the same. They’re sensory issues differ, their speaking ability, their capacity for affection…etc. When we were getting Casey diagnosed people didn’t think he was autistic because he liked to cuddle. He wouldn’t let us hold his hand, he still won’t, but he wasn’t completely affectionate.
This morning Casey came in and crawled in bed next to me. It was early. It usually is. He wrapped both of his arms around me (which is getting increasingly hard to do) and whispered, “I love you so much, give me a hug”. It might not have been what I wanted at 5:45 in the morning, but it was JUST what I needed. I know he loves me. I know he feels love. What a wonderful thing that is!
Casey loves people (okay, not all people and not big groups of people), even if he doesn’t act it. If you’ve seen him at church, you’ve seen him in an environment he doesn’t want to be in. He’s a different kid at home. Don’t be afraid to talk to him. To say ‘hi’ or give him a high five. If he doesn’t respond, that’s okay. I love it when people try. It means more to me than anything.
Like I said, church isn’t fun for Casey. One day he was having a really tough time, and so was I, so when he bolted for the door, Mary Felts got up and followed him. I still can’t think about that time without getting tears in my eyes. He let her hold his hand. I got a minute. It was wonderful.
If you have questions, ask. You can’t offend me. You can try, but you’ve never met my family. After years of small doses of funny offenses, I’m IMMUNE.
I don’t know why I’m feeling compelled to write all of this, and I’m very aware that it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but this is my blog. And that’s why I named it ‘ramblings’. I ramble. A lot.
Lexi Mag 
I like it when you ramble. I also like Mary Felts. She amazes me. And really, you do too.
you WERE given super powers! and…sorry i made him curl up in the fetal position at church. we'll try again next week.
maybe it's because I'm a hormonal mess, but you guys made me cry.Ladies of your caliber telling me that I'm something means a lot to me.
Lexi, I too love what you call your ramblings. Even though we didn't really get a chance to know each other very well while I was living in Port Orchard, I really love you as a person and think you are hilarious. I love that you are so honest and actually make sense (well, most of the time) in your ramblings. Thank you for sharing all of it with us!
lexi, you need to write a book. do it in your spare time. 🙂 the world needs what you have to say.
Lexi thanks for sharing this about Casey…it made me cry! You have more than risen to the challenges you of life! You are amazing!
Yes I love how the 'experts' try to say that my Middle isn't autistic…because he is very verbal and very affectionate. He's the most apt to spontaneously hug and kiss. And his vocabulary is amazing. And I agree…autism sucks big time. Our kids don't suck…just the autism!