Autism is such a wide spectrum and so much is not understood. As a parent, it is so easy for me to focus on the struggles and the things that make it tough, but there are lots of neat things that don’t get noticed or shared.
Here are 6 I want to share with you…
1. He has an incredible memory.
He can tell you the day and year we traveled to a certain spot, he can tell you the exact number and names of each movie he has seen at the theater. It is so cool to hear,and yes, when I go back to check the info, he is accurate.
2. He can predict the weather.
Really! He actually knew the earthquake we had here a few years ago was coming BEFORE it arrived! NO joke- he covered his ears, said “here it comes” and “oh no” . We were clueless until it arrived a few minutes later. He also knows it will rain before the news tells us. I think this is just the acute use of his senses in ways we do not tap into.
3. His incredible sense of direction.
We can go somewhere once and he knows the route! If I were to make a wrong turn, or try a different route, he will boldly say, “you are going the wrong way”. And, he is right!
4. He does not lie.
It is not yet within his scope or ability, maybe it will come, I don’t know. But, he says what he knows and feels and if you don’t want to hear that your haircut is not looking good- don’t ask.
5. His attention to detail.
From the dotting of the “i’s” to the research in his Science project; he will work hard and long to get it right. He wants to be sure it is not only done, but that it is something to be proud of.
6. He is happy!
This young man wakes up with a smile, goes to bed with a smile and all day long tells you things are great. There can be another blog post down the road about how this may make me sad, but today’s is all about the positive.
These are just a few that come to mind, there are many more. Those on the Autistic spectrum have so much to offer. We need to share and celebrate all we can, big and small. It will be one step closer to true acceptance and the ability for these individuals to be a part of so much more.
There is so much creativity and talent to be seen, I will work as hard as I can to keep sharing.
Do you have any other traits to share from someone you know on the spectrum? We’d love to hear!