Whenever Ethan and I meet someone, I usually have to tell him, "Can you say hi, Ethan?" It happens so frequently, the words spill out of my mouth before I realize it. "Say hi, Ethan." He'll usually mumble hi, and look away.
Poor social skills such as these are a hallmark trait of autism. Temple Grandin, a woman with autism who has a doctorate degree and often speaks at autism conferences, says she has a difficult time socializing because she can't interpret people's facial expressions or follow the usual give and take of a conversation. It has taken much practice and self-awareness for her to develop skills that are inherent for most people.
Ethan's social deficiencies are a deep source of worry for me, which is why I constantly tell him to say hello. I had no idea Ehtan actually appreciated my nagging until today at his Mother's Day school recital. One by one the kids held up a laminated picture with a typed sentence on it saying why their moms are special. When it was Ethan's turn, he held the sign up and said, "My mom is special because when I'm shy she she stays behind me and says hi." He drew a picture of me standing behind him, facing another little boy he wants to talk to.
I could barely hold back the tears when he then walked up to me and hugged me. It was one of those moments when I felt profoundly grateful for being a mom.
19 comments:
god in my emotional lack of sleep state i would have been in buckets of tears. what great moment for you.
yep a bucket of tears here too, that is adorable. you are a good mommy!
Yes yes, tears
Thank you for sharing. I'm sure you are a wonderful mom. You have a beautiful son, and I know you are so proud!
That's fantastic!
Wow, Cathy! Thank you for sharing. You are an encouragement. Keep writing!
And, thanks for visiting my blog!
Oh, brought tears to my eyes!
I can imagine that you were very touched by this ! That was really sweet especially in his case. Wonderful !
you always got his back. and he knows it. that's awesome!
good work momma!
that is so nice. i felt emotional reading it too lol
I love your blog, it is so sweet. I have a son named Ethan too. I came across you from Mary ann Ashly, I have a friend who has a boy with autism. She has a great blog. I just thought I would share, it is always good to network!
her blog is
http://vaccinequestions.blogspot.com/
Cathy, that's a wonderful story! My grans-nephew has PDD and he's three. He's in school and getting all the help he can get thank goodness! All will be well for Ethan and my grand-nephew, I'm sure. :)
Oh what a sweet post and such a sweet little boy you have!
Motherhood is the most beautiful part of a womans life and what makes it even better is the love that one recieves from their kids, its beyond words though complimented on and off with a few drops of tears:)
You are a special mom!Cheers to the lovely spirit of motherhood!
http://aspaceofonesown.blogspot.com
Such a wonderful moment for you Cathy.Ethan gave you the best gift on that v. special day.Really sweet and touching.
That was really touching and sweet. Must have been a great moment for you...way to go super mom! :)
awe...so sweet...i jus simply loved it!
cheers to u!:)
Hi:-)
First time on your blog & what a treat to read this post. Sometimes results for a prolonged dedicated hard work comes from the most unexpected corner, it almost brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing, will read your other posts, too :-)
What a precious gift! That would be a bucket of tears for me too. Congrats, you're a great mommy!
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