Interrupted by PDD-NOS

School has begun.  Our oldest is a senior and decided to go back to public school after a year of attending an online school last year.  So far, she says she is not used to easy work.  Last year’s curriculum online was very intense and busy, busy, busy.  She is sort of bored now, but likes having a routine.  

She is recognizing how her PDD-NOS affects her in everyday life, after being diagnosed last Spring.  So am I.

 Friends?  Not so much.  Just one, and as she sees this friend mature and hold down a job, plus date, plus drive…it sets her apart.  She’s just not ready for that–yet-and wants to be like everyone else.
  
As she left for school this morning, I eyed her up and down.  She wore sweatpants that are too short (they’re supposed to be for bed or around the house) and a frumpy sweatshirt.  She feels comfortable in them and any source of comfort is something she craves when heading off into the world she’s unsure of. 

 She ran a comb through her hair, but has no desire to straighten it, or curl it.  I’ve done it for her and shown her how, but she doesn’t care enough to struggle with it every morning. 

 Last Spring, I took her to get contacts, but after she tried for 3 hours at the optical shop to put them in, we ended up leaving when they closed.  She doesn’t want to try again.

 What about make-up?  She says she isn’t coordinated enough to put make-up on.  I never really thought about it before, but yes–sometimes with PDD-NOS, fine and gross motor skills are lacking. 

So this morning, as she left, I tried to roll her sweatpants up to just under her knees, like I’ve see the other girls at school do.  

“It’s ok, Mom, my legs are too hairy.”  
“Are you sure?” was my reply.
“I don’t care how I dress, Mom, because today is Friday.  No one notices me anyway.”

I wish people could see her as I see her. She’s extremely bright with a great sense of humor. She’s beautiful inside and out regardless of the PDD-NOS. 

 But then again, I’m just a mom. 

Read original post

Stephanie McBride