BOY TRAPPED

Where the inside of my mind leaks onto the screen.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

A Proud Moment for a Mother

This morning I received this email from the grandmother of the autistic boy mentioned. She wanted me to know that Adam was the "little boy" in the story. I can't say enough how proud I am of Adam.

"AprBreakthrough: My Son and his Church Class posted by Jeremy
On Sunday a very special thing happened in my son’s primary class at church. To date most of the other children have been either indifferent to my son, or have outright feared him. One parent in particular seems to be rather fearful of him, or is at least using him as an excuse to have her son moved to another class.

During his class, one young lady’s hand was touched by my son, and she immediately freaked out and told my wife, who is also their teacher. My wife, frustrated by the treatment of my son’s condition by the previously mentioned parent, decided to huddle the children together and explain autism to them.

She did it in a way that I could not, as I tend to be verbose and in depth when I explain autism. She identified my son’s behaviors and lack of speech, asking the children if they have noticed these things. They each said yes, and she explained that he was unable to speak, and uses touch and face contact as a way to communicate.

She then sent the children out into the hall with the other teacher in pairs, and a little boy grabbed my son’s hand. My son smiled at him, grabbed his hand back, and the little boy was excited! He declared that he had made a friend, and was happy for the rest of the day.
The children are all four years old, so their understanding is limited to their four years of life experience and what their parents have told them. The exciting thing is that they now get it, they understand that my son is not being bad, he is not trying to be disruptive. He is just trying to communicate with a world that is different than his own. If only the parents of these children were in that situation, and were as willing to accept my son for who he is.

What a message for Easter, a time of renewal, Spring, and a focus on those things that bring us closer to each other after the coldseparation of Winter. For me, this was the most memorable Easter I have ever had."

8 comments:

Steph said...

What a proud moment for you...and what a good,sweet little man you have! Nice work momma...you are doing well!!!

Fountaine's said...

Now I am a proud aunt! What a wonderful feeling to know we have such great kids.

Ross Family said...

I am doing fine. I was really dizzy during my first trimester, but I am fine now. if fact I feel great! So, are you hoping for a girl this time or are you wanting to have your own basketball team someday? haha. I am so proud of Adam. if only the rest of the world would have the openess and innocence that four year olds have, we would live in a much kinder place! well, maybe I will see you next weekend, I am staying with michelle.

Rebecca and Nick said...

What a little sweetheart! It's amazing how they can understand the needs of others at such a young age. I hope he can be a good example to the others in the class, including parents! You have reason to be proud.

Kirk said...

It's nice to see that we are doing something right as parents.

Kris said...

What an amazing story. I'm so proud of Adam! You are one lucky mom.

Amy Dayton said...

Thanks for giving me a reason to cry today! ...I feel better now.

Evette Mendisabal said...

I have always thought Adam was a really sweet boy, this just proves it!

For Adam: What a great friend you are Adam. Good job buddy!