Interesting thing I found about autism, most families effected are stuck in a land of mystery and waiting to see what will happen for the day.
Yesterday was what I would call a day of mystery and miracles. Typical day and we didn't do anything different. Our son took a nap mid afternoon, which is always a blessing because it leads to an easier night. We decided to go out to dinner at a place he has been to before, a casual place to eat and it has booths so we can keep him contained. Not usually very busy so if he was to get a little rambunctious, it wouldn't be a disaster.
The first step was to get him in the van without a battle. Put him in his seat and he was totally relaxed, no combat at all. First miracle of the day! On to the restaurant and as his parents, we know this is a risky adventure but we have to carry on as a "normal" family. At the restaurant he ran a bit, didn't eat much at all, but he was happy and basically easy to manage. Second miracle of the day!
After we ate we decided to go across the street to the park and burn some energy. I noticed a new water fountain for kids to run in was built and my first thought was, this is not going to work, Then I noticed they also built a chain link fence around it. Anyone who has an autistic child who loves water, would look at that fence as a gift from God. Society gave us a barrier which would be the third miracle of the day.
Phillip never cares much to play on big toys at the park, he runs right past them and keeps on running, almost like he doesn't even notice them, but yesterday he actually stepped onto both of them. Even managed to get him down a slide without complete fear taking hold of him. It was in fact his first encounter with a slide by himself at nearly three years old. Fourth miracle of the day and counting!
When we decided to leave he got into his car seat again without combat. At home we hung out outside for a bit. I hosed off the driveway and Phillip made use of a mud puddle to splash in. At one point I looked over and he was trying to dunk his head in it. Legs covered in mud so I redirected the hose and sprayed him off, which he loved.
Time for a bath and the impossible task of getting him in the house from the outdoors. I went in and got the bath ready, when all of a sudden daddy opened the back door and little Phillip walked right in and stood next me in the bathroom. We can count on one hand how many times he has actually entered the house on his own without hostility, or total meltdown.
Another difficult transition is if I put him in the bath while the water is running, then turn it off...he always has a little something to say about that. This time, he didn't even react to the water being turned off.
So, why was the day so easy and without any transition challenges? I have no idea..it is a total mystery and If I knew everyday would for sure be just this easy. With the autism influence, we expect difficulties, we know the challenges before they hit, and with that comes some anxiety as a parent. I also have to wonder what caused the autism to loosen it's grip yesterday. The miracles went on all day long and It seemed like he was given a small break from what the specialist say will not loosen it's grip without hours of therapy.
A day like yesterday, and today will more then likely not be the same, is a total mystery. That is what families face all the time. The challenges, the difficulties, the expectations, the miracles, and the mysteries.
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