Category: youngster with autism

An Accomplished Young Adult with Autism

Mike with Nick at Senior Night

As the football season comes to a close, so does the marching band season.  Tis bittersweet for Nicholas, as he loves the camaraderie of the marching band. However, we have a reprieve!  The football team is in the playoffs, so the marching band continues to perform.

A few weeks ago, the marching band celebrated senior night.  My husband and I escorted Nick in front of the football stands during halftime.  As we walked, the announcer voiced Nick’s goals after high school–to study music and math.  Nick beamed.  He gave me a rose and a big hug.

Before giving roses to moms

I cherish these moments. Memories of his challenges as a youngster with autism are never far from me. Memories of Nick struggling with loud noises, and now playing in a marching band. Memories of Nick trying to express himself in words, and now expressing himself musically. Memories of Nick overcoming so many issues…  Nick is now emerging as an accomplished young man with autism.

This is a moment to celebrate in the life of Nick!

Lessons With My Granddaughter

Last Saturday, I spent some time with my granddaughter.  She was diagnosed with autism when she was three, and I was curious to see how she was progressing.  We decided to hang out at a coffee shop.  At first she was quiet.  I asked her simple questions. She responded with one word answers. Typical for a youngling with autism.

We decided to go Christmas shopping for her mom and dad.  I asked her specifically what she might want to give to her parents.  After some thought, she replied, “Nail polish for Mom, and a I-pad for Dad.” The I-pad was out of my budget, but with the idea of nail polish, we started shopping.

I asked her if she knew where we would find nail polish.  I realized that I had no idea where to begin to search.  My darling little granddaughter took charge.  She was hysterical.  “Come on, Grandma.  This way.”  It became obvious that my granddaughter was not too sure where to go either, but we admired a myriad of delightful objects as we walked.

We actually wondered through several aisles before finding the right place.  She acknowledged, “Hair stuff.”  She slowed her pace to look at the barrettes, combs, and headbands.  I inquired, “Do you like this stuff?”  She looked at me like I was from outer space.  Her response, “Yes.  Of course!”  She began a dissertation on what the items were.

I was surprised at how many different things there were to adorn hair.  My granddaughter touched every item she could reach.  Some were sparkly; others flowery.  We slowly made our way to the nail polish aisle.  Again, I was surprised at the variety of brands, let alone colors.  I just don’t have time to pursue hair and nail paraphernalia.

My lack of knowledge bugged my granddaughter.  She gave me lessons in “girl stuff”. In her words, “REALLY, Grandma!! (Sigh.) This IS what girls like. Sheesh.”  I laughed.  I didn’t know this “stuff” could be fun.  She picked out one color for her mom, and off we went.

So I need to continue my lessons with my granddaughter.   SHE is what made this lesson FUN.