He’s Growing…YIKES!
Seth Says…
When William was born he was a pretty skinny kid. His first few years we would call him “Noodle” because he was this long and skinny child that had very little meat on his bones.
I was a pretty skinny kid growing up too. I remember when I was in elementary school I had this great party trick where I could suck in my stomach and pretty much touch my backbone–okay not really but it was like something out of National Geographic Magazine.
Earlier this year I went on a trip with a few buddies. When I got back I was giving William a bath and noticed he seemed thicker…heavier…meat-ier. WHAT? Could it be that “The Noodle” was growing?
Sure enough, we took him for his check-up and the doctor said he was gaining weight at a pretty good clip. “The Noodle” was becoming “The Gnocchi” apparently.
He’s getting taller…he’s getting thicker…he’s not a little boy anymore.
I can’t hoist him up so he can touch the ceiling anymore! I can’t carry him up the stairs with ease as often as before. My little dude is becoming a little man.
NEW TERRITORY!
Now I know that all parents go through the child becoming an adolescent and all that that includes…but to go through that plus autism? Oh boy…this should be fun!
Not only how are we going to handle this–but how is William going to handle this? Surely he’s dealing with things and emotions and changes and yet can’t explain them as a typical child could.
Once again the reminder that there’s not blueprint for our situation. We’ve said it over and over…every child on the spectrum is different. What “works” or helps for one child might be totally different from the other.
So there’s not a stock answer. There’s no guide to refer to. There’s no 1-800 hotline when a crisis is happening. Now what?
I’m so thankful for the few fathers out there I’ve met with sons on the spectrum–but many of their children are YOUNGER than mine. So now what?
I guess we’ll find out…
To read more blogs from Melanie, Seth and TheFowler4Group, check out their Website (www.lookatmyeyes.com) and while you’re there, buy a copy of their book, “Look At My Eyes”. Or find them on YouTube. To contact TheFowler4 Group email: [email protected]
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