This is the kind of image I'd like you to think of for Autism Awareness Month. There's a story behind it: He got up at 5 AM after I went to bed at 2:30, he was grumpy about coming on a walk instead of staying in the nice warm car, kept saying "stay in the van" -- but once he saw the waves, the rocks, his friends the seals plus the seagulls (which he correctly identified as birds, good categorizing Leo!) he was all about this kind of happy. Which upended my sleep-deprived grumbling.
Be aware that autism can mean pure, whole-hearted, genuine joy.
Tell it, girl! We LOVE the pure, unhindered joy from our little guy, too.
ReplyDeleteThat is one awesome photo! Yes, unbridles joy happens a lot in our home, too. Funny, though, how so many mainstream news outlets don't bother to cover *that* aspect, huh? If they did, maybe our fights for supports wouldn't be so hard?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! That is one of the things I love most about working with kids on the spectrum. Those moments of joy are radiant and untempered.
ReplyDeleteLove it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful boy. As always, thanks for sharing the great pics.
ReplyDeleteLove, Laura
Amen!!
ReplyDeleteOur spring break is already over, but you have just reminded me to take my son to that very spot. We are lucky enough to live in the area and it just kills me that I didn't think to take him there during the two weeks off!! Glad you guys got to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!! They are so appreciative and find joy in the simplist pleasures! Love the picture and your sweet story! What a handsome young man too!! :-)
ReplyDeleteHUGS,
Coreen
I just feel happy looking at his beautiful face, alight with joy.
ReplyDeleteYou SAID it! Oh, how beautifully you said it. He is Sunshine with that radiant smile; Goodness unbottled.
ReplyDeleteDifferent is Good. It is colors of the rainbow that make us More.
there is one kindergartner to whom i teach art who just has to be somewhere on the spectrum, although it seems his people are in some kind of denial. one day he made a color on the paper with some watercolors and then got out of his chair and *danced* for glee! and then he did it again. about 59 times: color,dance glee!color, dance, glee! repeat. his regular kinder teacher, when she came to retrieve him, seemed pretty much over it, but me? made my week :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo! You are fortunate to live near a beach where there are so many exciting things to do. (I can empathize with you on the lack of sleep, though!)
ReplyDeleteLindsey Petersen
love
ReplyDeletelove
love
This is great! Thank you for sharing such a nice story and continuing to spread awareness!
ReplyDeleteIt can, yes it can. Along with the tears and frustration, it can be, pure, distilled joy.
ReplyDelete