Navigating Our Autism Journey: Embracing Decision Mondays
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Chapter 1: Understanding Our Daily Routine
Our journey with autism is filled with both challenges and victories. Recently, Owen woke up after four in the morning, searching for his tablet. Excited about visiting his grandma, he assured me he had slept through the night to prepare for their time together.
To help him process his thoughts, I focused on redirecting his questions rather than providing direct answers. It’s important for him to think critically and discover the solutions himself. My responses carry weight, just as his repetitive behaviors are integral to his journey. The concept of "ignoring" can feel counterintuitive, as I’m not genuinely dismissing his words or actions; rather, I’m fostering his ability to move forward independently. When he perceives my calmness and lack of focus on his reactions, he navigates his experiences with greater ease. This dynamic often weighs heavily on my heart.
As we prepared to leave, Owen remained relatively composed, albeit repeating his phrases. His excitement grew as we drove past his favorite pizza place, which was getting a sign replacement. When I offered to stop and watch, he opted to head straight to his grandma's house instead.
Section 1.1: The Visit with Grandma
After spending a couple of hours with her, I picked him up. He typically prefers me to drop him off without coming inside, yet he often asks me to stay longer when it's time to leave. In the past, his meltdowns would erupt if I entered the house for even a moment, as he struggled with seeing familiar faces in different settings. I cherish how far he has come, even though the emotional weight can still be significant for us both. When he invited me to his moving-up ceremony at school, it was a monumental step, highlighting his comfort with my presence in his school environment for an extended period.
Subsection 1.1.1: Handling Challenging Behaviors
On our ride home, Owen tried to provoke a reaction from me, but I remained unresponsive. Although this frustrated him, it ultimately helped him maintain a calmer demeanor. However, he did pull my hair both in the car and once we were outside, yet I continued to refrain from reacting. It was challenging to stay silent for those fifteen minutes, but it proved effective, leading to a more peaceful evening.
Section 1.2: The Importance of Grace
Each day, I pray for greater understanding and insight. I remind Owen that we both deserve kindness and grace from one another. I can see him gradually learning to process his emotions, and I’m proud of his progress. It’s essential for him to realize that we’re a team navigating this journey of life together.
As bedtime approached, Owen expressed excitement about seeing his friends the next day and asked if we could go bowling after school. I agreed, noting that it would be interesting to see if he still wanted to go after returning home.
Chapter 2: Reflecting on Our Day
Before bed, Owen recounted all the behaviors he exhibited upon arriving home, highlighting his awareness of his actions, even if he doesn’t always grasp their consequences. His desire for excitement and reaction prompts me to reconsider everything. After he acknowledged his behaviors, I asked if he had anything else to share. He sweetly replied, "Sorry Mommy, I love you," followed by a hug before heading off to bed.
I am grateful for both his development and my own. It’s crucial to remember to be gentle with my heart. Each day serves as a reminder to hold onto hope for tomorrow: learn from the past, grow in the present, and shine in the future. Sending smiles to all and wishing you delightful days ahead!
In this video, "Decision Making Monday," we explore the importance of making thoughtful choices in our daily lives and how they impact our relationships, especially in the context of autism.
This video titled "Decision Making Monday" further delves into strategies for effective decision-making and social interactions, particularly for families navigating autism.