As Moose took his bath last night, he began to sing happy birthday. {We’ve been practicing all week because his grandma’s birthday is this Sunday}. After the song finished he said “Yeah!” with expression and clapped. Then he said, “Candle”. I held up my finger to pretend it was a candle, and he blew it out.
I nearly died right there.
Of course, I broke down in tears.
He pretended my finger was a candle and blew it out.
A few things about autism that you may not know:
1.) One of the core deficits of autism is lack of pretend and imaginary play. So, my finger being a candle to Moose, is a light at the end of a proverbial tunnel.
2.) Many kids with autism have NO expression when they talk. They are very monotone and flat, so the fact I heard inflection in his voice when saying “yeah!” is such a slice of hope.
3.) Finally, he can finally make a blowing motion with his lips! Again, most kids with ASD and apraxia of speech cannot blow out candles or play bubbles. They lack the oral motor strength to do so.
So, shout it from the rooftops! This kid is starting to kick autism’s ass.
Some of us in the ASD community are known as warrior moms, and oddly, when I hear that, I think of all the wrestling I watched as a kid growing up in the 1980s and I think: The Ultimate Warrior.
So I’ve dubbed a new term for mamas with kids on the spectrum: IronMom. Autism in terms of parenting is a marathon. Our resolve is unwavering. whether you believe in biomed, therapy, neurodiversity, or a combination of the three: our end goal is the same.
We want our kids to lead happy, independent, and productive lives. Period.
Somedays, I’m on autopilot just-trying-to-make-it-through. Somedays, I’m ready to strangle our insurance company by the throat. Somedays, I just want to send Moose’s teachers on a spa day.
Somedays, like last night, I am hopeful…that my kid will kick this “ism”.
This may not sound like much to a mother with a neurotypical 4 year old, but my friends, this is progress.
Nicolette, You are doing A LOT of wonderful things for Moose, I’m so happy that his progress is so evident! Hugs to both of you!
That is simply awesome! Way to go little man-Keep up the hard work!!
I’m so excited for Moose… and you! This is awesome news!!! He huffed and puffed and blew that -ism down
So amazing! Your boys are so lucky to have a warrior mom! Keep on, keep on! Yay Moose!
Jo-Anna
That is so exciting! I’m so happy for you guys. I hope this is the begging of much more progress to come. Way to go Moose!
Wow!! So very exciting! Hard work paying off. =)
What a fantastic day! Here’s to many more to come! Great Job Moose! And GREAT Job Mommy!!!
Wow, that is wonderful. I am so happy for you. xo
Oh that is fantastic, and you should be proud of yourself. You do so much for him and try every avenue so it’s down to you that he’s making progress, well done!
That’s wonderful!! My daughter works with autistic children as a behaviour therapist. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting one of her kids and seeing his growth in abilities expand yearly. He’s an awesome little boy. He’s been receiving special education since he was 3; he just started kindergarten and is doing really well. He’s smart as a whip & he loves dancing.
You sound like a fantastic mom; make sure you take care of yourself too. I wish all the best to you & your little guy!!
Oh my gosh Nicolette, this is the best news I have heard, I am crying right now!! I am so very happy to hear this!!!
Big Cyber HUG!!!
Anne
I just found your blog. I have no experience with autism but as the mother of a little boy, I can imagine how amazing that moment was. Good luck to you and your family and I hope he continues his wonderful progress!
What an incredible accomplishment – My tears are flowing just reading about it, so I can only imagine how you must feel. You are such an amazing “IronMom”! Also, I’ve just awarded you the Versatile Blog Award… if you get a chance, stop on over to THIS POST to check it out!
So glad to read this-it brought tears to my eyes!
I just discovered your blog and love it. This post had me in tears! I have many of the conditions you describe in your next post, and hope to have kids soon – thank you so much for sharing your experience!! The wisdom of women is so much greater than the so called medical establishment! Thank you again so much