I’ve never been one to sugar coat it. Autism in our life brings out the good, the bad and the ugly. Sometimes we see good more than bad, sometimes we see ugly more than good. But it’s all there. Sometimes our life is fabulous. And sometimes it’s a real drag.
This week has been one of those weeks. You know, one of the ones that make me laugh and cry and everything in between? One of those.
I like to always end on a positive note, so first The UGLY: More allergy testing this week revealed more foods my kid can’t have. Ian is already very restricted in what he WILL eat. And now we have to add apples and peanuts to the list. Apples. The only fruit he will eat. Literally. And let’s not forget, he’s already allergic to wheat, soy and has many, many skin allergies, along with seasonal allergies. Dude. This sucks. Looking at a list of foods he is able to have? I’m wondering how the heck he is going to get any nutrition. We have to increase his food repertoire. Somehow. Here’s to hoping his rash, the one he’s had since BIRTH, goes away, now that we’re eliminating more foods. One can dream, right?
The BAD:Ian cried himself to sleep last night. He stole coffee (he stims in it and eats DRY GROUNDS) and Daddy went into his room to tuck him in and found it, exclaiming, “IAN! NO!” which set off sobbing and crying and hyperventilating. He was very, very upset. Not that Daddy yelled, I think he was upset because he was CAUGHT and just can’t help himself. And being non-verbal and unable to explain himself? He is frustrated. It’s hilarious that he knows to sneak off into his bedroom, hide under the covers and LOCK HIS DOOR. Oh yes, he did. He locked himself in. And when Daddy tried to get into his room we heard him muttering to himself, “Uh Oh. UH OH.” And then I had to cuddle in bed with him for about thirty minutes, my hand on his chest (that’s where he wanted it) while his little, pouty lips made my heart melt. His eyes were closed and he was dozing and he was STILL whining and sobbing. Poor little guy.
The GOOD: His brother, Luke, is having an awesome week. Mostly. He has come home every day and has independently gotten his homework done. BY HIMSELF! Like, I have to do very little prompting, instead of the usual, “NUMBER ONE. WRITE IT HERE. No! On this line! C’mon! Erase that!” Homework is the bane of my existence. But this week? He has come home every day and done it himself. No prompting. No crying. No loss of privileges. No tears. I’m so proud. Now, if I can just get him to remember to bring home the project that I’ve been asking him to bring home for a week. You know, so he can get it finished and maybe turn it in?
THE BEST? We got through an entire week with both of them with no meltdowns. No major screaming fits, no biting, no aggressions, no behavioral issues to speak of. Hopefully I didn’t just jinx it. Knock on wood, throw salt over my shoulder and all that stuff.