The Awakening

Every parent cringes when they get any diagnosis regarding their child that they know will affect them forever. As a parent, you are forced into this new world of researching, learning, and of course just living by trial and error.

My son turned 17 several weeks ago. And for whatever reason, things are looking up. I really have no idea why. But I have to tell you, it is as if my child is awakening from a long, deep coma.

His autism and epilepsy seemed to rob him from his childhood. And now, out of nowhere, it's as if we get to see the real him. Of course, he still has the same characteristics of autism. He still has meltdowns and isn't toilet trained. But it is the awareness of his surroundings that is blowing me away.

Jac is at a new school and has adjusted with such ease. His communication is still full of echolalia and scripting moments repeating lines from movies but now he's beginning to call people by name.

We quickly learned that he is really good in his “out” class, which is Art. His teacher used a light board under a picture to help his students trace the picture on top. My son did the most amazing job! Who knew that he could do this? It was incredible.

I understand these may not seem like a big deal. But to me, we are seeing that he is in there, just like we always suspected.

To my family, this is like a Christmas Miracle!

Presuming competence gives children with disabilities the chance to fully explore life. It is one of the most important things to do for a child. Read Leslie’s blog articles where she shares her and her son’s life journey.