I made a cake last Sunday, just for the fun of it. No birthday. No special occasion.
Confusion.
The boys didn’t know what to say. They looked perplexed and confused. They didn’t understand that it was ok to make a cake.
That made me think about how much we do because there is a reason. For kids with autism, a schedule is a dictate for life. NOTHING happens unless there is a reason. Life is black and white. Gray is cause for confusion. While a schedule can make life easier, it can make life bland. I want my sons to be able to enjoy life, not just “have to do” things.
During this Advent Season, this is one lesson I will teach. Spontaneity. It’s ok to do things without planning. Autistic kids have a difficult time if things are not predictable, but life doesn’t happen always according to a plan (does it ever?). Nonetheless, life can still be enjoyed.
My plan for tomorrow is to have our meals backwards. Dessert for breakfast. I think that will be a pleasant surprise. It might totally throw their world upside down. However, I don’t think they will argue. Much. They might even paraphrase Bill Cosby about chocolate cake for breakfast–it has eggs, milk, wheat–a great breakfast! We’ll end with eggs for dinner.
I never knew baking a cake would cause such a stir!
sherylscript 