State:
Country: USA
Member since: Sep 08, 2007
Last logged in: Sep 06, 2008
Hi, all! I live with my husband of 21 years and our 4 children and numerous pets. Our oldest has high-functioning autism. The rest of the kids are, apparently, normal. I think that siblings can really help a kid with autism, but no doubt there are some costs to the NT siblings of children with autism. That said, Daniel is very kind and helpful to his siblings and the opportunity to be socially competent at home is good for him. I just hope to help him be socially competent in the wider world, too.
Favorite Compositions (0)
Motherof4's Compositions
by Motherof4 on 07.01.08 - public - 101 visits
For a week or two, Daniel seemed so far within himself that it was hard to make contact. I'd speak his name two or three times before he'd focus on me. Today was different. He'd spent two hours at a friend's store, learning how to bind books, and after the little kids went to bed, he taught his sister, Catherine, how to sew together papers to make a book. Then, he sat and watched intently while she wrote and illustrated her own version of "Sleeping Beauty." Catherine, kindly, talked to him the whole time.
He was calm. He was focused. He was outside himself. I know of no reason why. I'd say it was the swimming in the evening, but we've been taking them swimming almost daily. Was it the chance to learn something brand new combined with the ability to teach it to a very willing learner? Was it the fact that his sister was interested in doing the same activities that he likes to do?
A connection was formed, and kept for over an hour this evening. Thank God for siblings, especially when they are patient, for improving communication skills, and for those moments of peace, which are rare and so treasured.
I did not get a picture. I was too busy being there.
Comments(7)
shannonj
Posted on Fri, 4 Jul 2008
I'm glad your son is feeling better....and what a wonderful connection between your two kids.
4muskateers
Posted on Tue, 1 Jul 2008
It has been this way for Julian too...don't understand this change...but then he is himself again...but it is nice to see the children working together...small steps, big blessings.
LisaAKAmom
Posted on Tue, 1 Jul 2008
Wow....Richie has been, for lack of a better word...Off this week too. But I think its cause our life is somewhat returning to normal and my parents went home last weekend. It is amazing those little moments and break throughs....they are soooo precious. I had to laugh, cause richie had a moment too this week. He was fighting with is sister over a pillow and she said to him...Give me that. He looked at her...and Said....NO! MINE! Priceless!
ADifferentDrummer
Posted on Tue, 1 Jul 2008
Siblings are amazing peolple. I try to include siblings in therapy when I can. They can often reach a child when no one else can. The bonds I have seen have been truely amazing! Deb
carmel66
Posted on Tue, 1 Jul 2008
Sometimes when I'm too busy to get to a camera, or the camera would be too distracting I take a "mental picture" - just purposely look at this, remember the light, the smells, sounds, feelings. It last longer too and it's all mine. I think sometimes my daughter is my son's best therapist. She has taught him games to play with her (made up ones), taught him to answer her the first time, to stand up for himself...she's amazing. I'm glad he came out. Maybe he just wasn't feeling well or just felt a little sad.
