having a child with autism is both a challenge and a blessing. It’s never a negative thing. When going to the store, E has his routine (we only go during weekends) in the store but sometimes he is sneaky and change the routine of the walking. Sneaky sneaky.
Summer 2023 I started to social train him harder because he has always been able to walk but we had all kinds of stuff to help us make the situation outside easier. We had a wheelchair to keep him safe and protected or else he would run out to the streets when cars, busses and everything would come. But like I said, he could walk and some other child had much better need for the wheelchair than E. So summer 2023 I bought a dollstroller (he had one when he was younger and LOVED IT) and that’s when the training begun.
I posted every time in my town’s Facebook group, letting everyone know when we were going out (just to make everything easier for E) and in the store I apologized alot when he accidentally crashed into someone and explained he has autism and we are social training (I still do this til this day but it has become much better but sometimes it is difficult for him to stay focused). Everyone has been so kind and understanding about the situation and iam forever thankful for everyone! I posted on thr Facebook group every time we were out and back home, thanked everyone and updated how it went etc. Many people commented and were cheering on E. Saying the will give him an high five when they see him etc. We felt the love.
ans now fast forwarding til today..
Today E walks without any problems. Sure sometimes he shows emotions that he want to go a different way to the store. When we are home (before going) I always say “E, we are going to the store” and he knows exactly what to do. It’s wonderful! He runs and get his stroller, put shoes on and waits by the door (sometimes he is playful and tries to go out alone. Sneaky sneaky child).
and at the store he picks all the groceries I tell him to get and points on. We count (he loves math) and at the checkout he put everything on the band so the cashier could check us out. I have also been training him on paying for the groceries so I gave him my card and he paid. The happiness in his eyes every time!
but it’s not always a sunshine story when it comes to children with autism. They are sensitive to sounds and impressions. Which is a challenge. Today he sat down on the sidewalk (people could pass by) and this has happened many times before as well. The emotions and all the impressions becomes to much for him. Normally I sit down next to him (I don’t care what people think, say or stare. My son comes first) and he sit on my lap and I calm him down.
This time I couldn’t sit down on the ground with him be ause my knee aches and I wouldn’t be able to get up but I stood by him, talked to him and calmed him down. That works as well but as a mother most of the time my mama heart and mama bear comes forward and just sit with him.
This time it was because a bus drove by. He loves busses and is obsessed by them. Most of the time he say “bye bye bus!” but sometimes not even a bye bye works. So it was a bit too much for him. After he calmed down, he stood up and I said “stop wait” and said “now you look..” and he say “left” and I continue to repeat “now you look” two more times. One time after each left right and left before crossing the road. Not only to I train him of socialskills but also road safety.
and fun thing we do (before he showed emotions but sit down on the middle of the road so we had to lift him and it would make the situation worse) now when crossing the roads is that I say “run run run run” til he has crossed. He likes that and I feel safe because now I know he won’t do it.
So til the conclusion; Today was a success! He even helped me unload his stroller and put the groceries where they belong.. THAT WAS THE VERY FIRST TIME HE EVER DONE THAT. I am so proud!