The Autism They Told Me About
+ Upcoming Events!
When my son was diagnosed ten years ago, I knew nothing of the diagnosis. Not a thing.
I researched of course.
I found Rain Man. And dark grainy videos on YouTube of individuals on the spectrum struggling.
I wondered where my son would land.
The savant side? The hard to watch side from those videos? Or somewhere in between?
As time went on Hollywood brought us The Big Bang Theory and The Good Doctor. Eventually other shows too.
Our autism looked nothing like those shows.
I worried and I wondered. About everything.
Last week we visited a train depot. Just the two of us. It was a really big deal. He’s been counting down from 20 sleeps.
He put on his own shoes and found his coat. He buckled his seatbelt. He brought a blanket. And his cell phone.
He rode safely the whole entire way.
He didn’t say much. Besides my commentary there wasn’t much conversation.
We couldn’t stop at a store, so we packed snacks. He gasped when he found them as if finding a treasure.
He hyper fixated on the map and counting down the miles and minutes.
He waited patiently while I paid for parking. He went in his own stall in the bathroom and washed his hands all by himself.
We stayed for 45 whole minutes which is 15 minutes longer than we’ve ever stayed before. Then he signed ‘eat’ and off we went to the gift shop. Then a drive thru. And finally, Grandpa’s house.
There was no conversation on the ride home. But he did gasp at every train track.
This isn’t the autism I imagined because honestly I had no idea what to expect.
Hearing severe nonverbal autism about your first born, a three year old with blonde hair and hazel eyes, felt impossible.
I’ll tell you so many parts are better than I imagined. And some are harder.
The day to day is confusing and normal to us and wonderful.
I feel so lucky to have him in my life
I worry every single day.
I wish I could make life easier for him.
I pray for a break from the day to day at times.
I’m lonely a lot.
I need to live forever.
He is exactly who he is supposed to be.
I need to change the world for him.
This isn’t the autism I imagined.
Today was an amazing day. With my son.
Last night Cooper showed me his phone screen. He had typed…
Mom. Video. Cooper.
He wanted to do a video with me.
We have so much fun doing these chats. And each time, I learn so much about him.
He has a favorite train. Three actually. In a specific order.
Take a listen. Get ready to smile.
This is our nonverbal autism at age 14.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Autism Out Loud Book Launch - March 31, 2025 - Stillwater, MN
The event will include appetizers and a champagne toast. Ticket price includes a $5 shopping coupon to be used at the event.
Spend an evening with Adrian, Carrie, and I, celebrating our new book.
Save the date for book signing events in Austin, Texas, Naperville, Illinois, Buffalo, New York, and more!
Caregivers, Escape to a Weekend of Rest, Renewal, and Connection.
This three-day event will include two full days of speakers and breakout sessions at the Holiday Inn on the San Antonio Riverwalk. The event will feature Adrian Wood of Tales of an Educated Debutante, Carrie Cariello of What Color is Monday, and Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper's Voice and a celebration of their new book, Autism Out Loud. This event will be focused on you, the caregiver and helping you learn, make a friend, feel seen, rest, have a blast, and more. You won't want to miss this life changing event.
Have you ordered your autographed copy of my new book yet? Carrie and Adrian, my fellow authors are flying to Minnesota to sign them!
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