Autism Therapy: New Years Realizations
We made it through another holiday season. This year was wonderful. We were able to make it through Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s with hardly a scratch. No autism therapy, no special trips to a therapist (for mom either)! It was a good year.
New Years Eve was spent playing Wii Disney Trivia with our boys. What a GREAT family game! Especially if your child with autism obsesses over Disney (as our oldest does). He knew almost everything! We were in bed by 9:30 pm. No ball dropping in Times Square for us. You can tell we’re over 40, huh?
New Year’s Day was spent at our dear friends’ home. Very casual, very relaxed. Our boys had a great time, too. Nibbling on snacks, watching football and reminiscing about the year that just passed us by. Enjoyed the time through the DayQuil 
We drove home (quite early, I might add). We are old folk. And as I tucked my youngest in, I realized just how much he has grown up in the past year. What a little man he had become. Dylan was no longer my “little angel”. He’ll always be my baby. I am so proud of my Dylan! Everything that has been placed on him. Being the younger sib of a kid with autism isn’t something he signed on for. But, he takes it in stride.
My oldest. He has changed the most in the past year. He controls his meltdowns much better. His voice is no longer the squeaky little voice of a child. It is the voice of a young man. (gulp!) And as I said good-night to my child-man New Year’s night, I looked at him. Then, I looked around the room at all of the “collections” he had acquired over the years. All of the Christmas things he had to have! Each Christmas, every birthday, it was something else. I could see his growth there before me on his bookshelves: Blues Clues, Sesame Street, Curious George, Cat in the Hat, Bear in the Big Blue House, Winnie the Pooh, Bob the Builder, Rolie Polie Olie, Snoopy, Toy Story, Mr. Potato Head, Finding Nemo, Shrek, his MASSIVE PEZ COLLECTION (adults would be enviable!).
(no this isn’t his)
I have to admit, some things that I have tried to sneak out of his room and give away. However, the “collector” in him knew it EVERY time and called me out! I finally gave up years ago when I had to buy back a Cat in the Hat on eBay. Long story.
I could see Chase’s growth through every collection.
This year? He wanted DVD’s. Now, he collects DVD sets. A bit more age appropriate.
I look forward to another wonderful year with my family and friends. I realize how truly blessed I am. I have a wonderful, supportive husband and we are a team in autism with our oldest son. We have two beautiful children who are otherwise healthy. We have faith that sustains us. Wonderful friends! And we are most hopeful that, in 2009, there will be advances in autism therapy, autism education, and autism information that will help all of our families!
