The End, for Now!
So, if I were to go back and meet the child I had before ABA, I can honestly say I'd know more how to handle him. If I could start parenting over from the beginning knowing what I know now, I'd have been a much better mother to my older boys.
Though this story is far from over, this is the end of the telling of it for now. Zach is now 6 years old, he is in a mainstream classroom but receiving services with ESS (exceptional student services), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and of course, applied behavior analysis therapy.
I don't know where we'd be if this had gone any differently. Some families, friends of ours who also have kids on the spectrum, have not had an easy time of getting services for their children. To say we're blessed is an understatement. God's hand has been evident every step of the way. Do we have hard days? Oh yeah! We have days where I'm ready to completely give up, give in, walk away, resign, you name it. But, I wouldn't trade this adventure for anything! Zach is a beautiful, loving child who just wants acceptance.... like anyone else.
Do me a favor, as you finish this and notice families with ASD around you ---Please, offer to help them. Ask them if they need anything. Don't stare when their special monkey is having an ASD meltdown. Public places are very daunting to families like mine. The parent literally almost always has to weight the pros and cons just to go out for longer than a few minutes. I actually avoid the grocery store if I have my kids with me unless it's a fast trip; and it's way better than it used to be. The parent, dependent on personality, may respectfully decline your offer of assistance, but in most cases will appreciate your offer. A kind smile goes further than a misunderstood glance.
Thanks for reading! I appreciate everyone of you! I don't know that I'll add anything else to this story, but I may someday write a second part.
He's growing, learning, and amazing me everyday! I can't thank God enough for all He's done for us!
YOU ARE READING
Extra Special Boy
No FicciónOur true story about our ups, downs, discoveries, and mistakes of raising a child on the Autism Spectrum. I hope it can be inspirational and encouraging to others who are in the same colorful world we're in.
