This list is inspired by the book, “Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew” by Ellen Notbohm.
A fellow blogger gave me the idea to personalize the list. So here I give you Matthews list of 10 things he wishes you knew:
1. I know I am different. But I do have feelings and like everybody else, I want to belong.
2. Despite my delay in verbal skills, I am very perceptive. I understand way more than you may think.
3. Please don’t assume that just because I am screaming my head off that it’s because I am being a brat. Chances are that I am on sensory overload due to sudden changes in schedule, flashing lights, certain sounds, or just too many people.
4. Dont’ assume that just because I am screaming my head off that it’s all autism related. I am a child and like all other children, I have my bratty moments. Don’t tolerate mean behavior by me.
5. If you suddenly alter my schedule, be prepared for a possible meltdown. I am not doing this to manipulate. It is because I am panicking. I need more time and planning in order to adapt to changes. Keep in mind this is all relative. Sometimes I am happy with a change if it is in my favor. ie. trip to McDonalds. But I only said sometimes I may still be on edge because of the sudden change in plans.
6. If you see me running around my yard naked, it’s not because my parents allow this. It’s probably because my mom is blow drying her hair and she didn’t hear me escape out the front door. Now she waits until I go to bed before blow drying her hair.
7. Don’t be afraid to say no to me. Yes, I want complete control but do you really want me in complete control? Again, I am very perceptive and I can sense if you fear me.
8. Don’t assume that just because I have autism, that I have some special connection with animals. While we are on the subject, don’t also assume that I am a musical genius. I have my gifts just like everyone else.
9. If you are a guy with long hair, be prepared for me to ask if you are a girl. I am not trying to offend you. I just really want to know. If you are a guy with long hair and a beard, be prepared for me to call you Jesus.
10. I have dreams just like everybody else. Don’t assume that I won’t amount to much because of my autism. I will do great things!
Mandi, you are so meant to be Matt’s mother. He is an amazing little boy with so many wonderful qualities. We all forget sometimes what he experiences. Thank you for reminding us.
thanks for reading Phyllis! I sometimes have to remind myself that he experiences things differently too. Re-reading this helps me. Thanks for helping with Matt!. We couldn’t do this without you!
Another great post, Mandi! My staff sill enjoy reading this, too. I’ve said for years that if I had a super power, I’d want it to be trading brains, even for 1 minute, with others, specifically my students – seeing, hearing, smelling, thinking as they do.
Wow! Simply wow!! This article certainly helps me be a little more understanding and not be judgemental to kids who act the way they do.. Thanks so much for spreading the word.. It helps lay people like me.. Good luck with your Matt.. I want to come back and read.. You are on my blog roll.. !!
Rachana.
That was the most beautifully written post!
You described your son in such an awesome way and I can relate to most of those 10 myself.
Our boys must be very similar!
I think I need to write one for my son, it’s a real eye opener isn’t it!
You are definitely meant to be his mum. You totally “get” him.
[...] This blog is what lead me to this idea. It is so brilliantly written and does a wonderful job of explaining her son. [...]
I don’t know how I missed this one Mandi. At first I thought they were 10 items that you copied out of a book about children in general with autism; but as I read them, I saw how they were “soooo” Matt. Have you ever thought of taking up writing or lecturing as a career. You know, in your spare time!!!!
MA