Owen seemed like he was in a really good mood when he woke this morning. He had a few moments of uncertainty of what to do, but then was ready to get his day started. His anxiety keeps him asking questions and his need for routine keeps him firmly planted in what we are supposed to do on certain days. We can change our schedule, but sometimes it’s not at that moment that it’s hard on him; instead later when he’s had time to process it the questions or anxiousness shows. Last night he fell asleep quickly, but I could hear his restlessness even as he laid there. When we came home from our day he was upset. The puppy and woman that he wanted to say hi and bye-bye to were causing him distress. I’m still not sure if it’s our neighbor he is thinking about or those are the only words he can use to express his concern for something else that he is seeing. His fight or flight response triggers easily now and I’m only beginning to understand some of the signs. I have to try and stay one step ahead of his meltdowns, but sometimes I don’t even know what is triggering them or the signs that are right in front of me. His vocabulary is increasing, but his expressive language does not necessarily match the words he is using. I can’t always ask him a question and get a direct response or if he does respond it may not be an appropriate response. I’ve explained to him that he could say, “yes ma’am” or “no ma’am” when I asked him questions like do you need to go to the potty. He will answer, “yes ma’am and no ma’am”, clearly needing to go to the potty. As he learns and grows I have to distinguish if his responses are age-appropriate, autism-related, or because of how Owen is handling a situation. The dude is certainly learning which buttons to push and how hard to push them. His smile tells on him though and it also is my guide to know if he is understanding what he is doing and saying or if the situation is stressful for him. Growing Owen is what we do, but I’m learning as much from him as I’m teaching him. Let the world see your smile. Know that you can be the change you want to see in the world. Smiles to all and donut daze!
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