@lisalucier , I will be happy to share some of the things that are near and dear to me. It is the oddest feeling, looking back at my childhood, and remembering how I felt. How I saw things from my perspective. Fast forward to the present. My precious little Grandson was given a horrible prognosis. We fought it. Those people are no longer at that particular facility. Their assessment of our Grandson's abilities and development was way off base. Not uncommon an experience, unfortunately. We knew he was smart. We knew he could be kind and sociable. We knew he could learn and be anything he wants to be. He wants to be Batman.

I will mention the very first thing that comes to mind when working with a child who is on the Spectrum. Or any child at all, really. The child must feel safe. Boundaries must be set in the beginning. The child will relax after a bit. Knowing that you are the teacher, the parent, or whatever position you play in the child's life...That you are in charge. You tell that child on their level, that you will protect them. You will not allow anyone to hurt them. And you make double dog certain to keep that promise. And, because of that, you will not permit him/her to hurt anyone else, including themselves. You assure them that you are their advocate, and that you know they will be successful on this journey of learning and living.

All of this is easier said than done. You first must have arrived at the place in your life that you are willing to storm the gates of Heaven for this child. Because that is precisely what you will have to do.

You will be met with stares, disgust, and attitudes from the pit of hell. You will question the validity of some of your friendships and family relationships. Those who will not attempt to understand what your child is going through May be given space...put on the back burner for awhile. This isn't about them. It's all about your child and your responsibility to do everything you can to help him feel comfortable in his own skin. It is a struggle. But one well worth doing.

Next time we will talk a bit more about making your child's space at home so safe and welcoming that his spirit just blossoms. He is differently wired, so very aware of everything around him. There are many different ways to calm and sooth him/her. I look forward to talking with you about some of these dealbreakers, next time.

Happy holidays!
Mamacita Jane