The Prelude
The boy has started High school. It’s a realm of new challenges, especially on the social front. With my lad stepping into this world, I felt it was time to introduce him to a side of himself he wasn’t fully acquainted with yet: his autism.
The Emotional Whirlwind
I won’t sugarcoat it – the lead-up was a rollercoaster. A blend of anxiety, tinged with sadness. But underneath it all was a resolve to provide a lens through which he could better understand his world, especially when making and maintaining friendships felt like solving a jigsaw puzzle with ever-changing pieces.
The Chat: A Different Kind of Connection
We dived in with a simple visual presentation. Not to distract, but to focus. To give us both something tangible to anchor to. And as the slides flipped, something incredible happened. He connected. Not just with the content, but with me. The usual barriers felt… lighter. There were head rubs, moments of genuine engagement, and an atmosphere that felt, well, different.
The Aftermath and the Road Ahead
Post-conversation, reality hit. During our second chat, it became clear that the gravity hadn’t fully settled in. So, I was more direct, more candid. I spoke of my brain wiring also being different and the beauty of uniqueness. And as we move forward, this openness will be our new norm. No more tiptoeing. Just genuine, direct support.
A Moment to Cherish
Above all, this wasn’t just another day. It was a day that brought us closer, a day that will be etched in memory not for its gravity, but for its authenticity. A simple presentation bridged gaps and opened doors to understanding. It was, in every sense, a moving and wonderful moment between us.
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