Why Positive Moments Matter in Our Autism Journey

Something you have said to a parent about their child, positive or negative, runs through their head on repeat.

It’s true. Many have hardened me. Some have lightened the load.

We have been told so many things.

Your son will never talk, make a friend, or ride a bike.

If your son doesn’t have any words by age four than game over.

Your son is absolutely amazing!

And then this one. One of my favorites.

An email from Cooper’s fifth grade teacher:

‘Cooper had another awesome day today! I don’t think he flopped or kicked even once. I wrote a little on his sheet, but wanted to mention the cool developments we’re seeing socially. He’s always seemed very relational and like he loves the teachers and staff, but today we saw him acknowledge his peers more in the classroom. He got the attention of other students in our room and wanted to say hi to them. Also, he continued to do his task bins independently today without any prompting. I attached a picture of him this morning on the little playground for his Motor Break.’

And then this…

His brother Sawyer also beamed with pride when he told me that Cooper waved to his whole class in the lunchroom.

‘Cooper said hi mama. To all my friends.’

This kid. This complicated, funny, smart, underrated, kid. Don’t count him him out.

For years we survived. Now, for the first time ever, I can say he is thriving.