In many ways, my 4-year-old son is just like any other child: he delights in running around, enjoys tickle fights, loves dancing to music, and can’t resist a good bedtime story. However, his autism sets him apart from his peers, particularly his inability to speak. This creates challenges, not only for us but often from those around him. Many people mistakenly believe that if he can’t verbalize, he must not have much to offer. They couldn’t be more mistaken. Here are five crucial things I wish people understood about my son:
1. Silence Doesn’t Mean Ignorance.
Just because he doesn’t speak doesn’t mean he can’t hear. Language skills are divided into expressive and receptive abilities. His hearing has been tested and is normal in at least one ear, meaning he comprehends much more than people realize. I often forget this myself, and I wouldn’t be surprised if his first words are the colorful language he hears from me during car rides. So, please, don’t talk about him as if he’s not there or resort to baby talk. Treat him like any other child; we do, and he’s more aware of people’s perceptions than you might think.
2. He Has a Sense of Humor.
My son is quite the character. He has an impressive grasp of sarcasm for a 4-year-old and often catches me off guard with his wit. For instance, when I compliment someone, he might just laugh and shake his head. He loves to play little tricks during speech therapy, like pointing at the wrong object when asked to touch something specific. Once, he pretended to give his speech therapist a high five only to run his hand through his hair instead. He found that hilarious! At a well-known autism clinic, he cleverly stopped working on a puzzle the moment the doctor turned around, acting completely oblivious to it.
3. Not Every Autistic Child is a Genius.
While it’s fascinating that you’ve seen movies like “Rain Man,” please remember that autism isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. My son won’t be counting toothpicks or composing masterpieces on his toy piano. His brain is wired differently, but that doesn’t come with a built-in talent. Even if he did possess some extraordinary skill, I wouldn’t want him to showcase it like a circus act.
4. He’s a Master of Reading People.
My son possesses an uncanny ability to gauge the emotions of those around him. He knows how to manipulate the situation to his advantage, often charming teachers and family members into doing things for him. His cuteness is hard to resist, but I’ve had to clarify to a teacher’s aide that I can’t just hold him all day—he’s a lively 45-pound bundle of energy!
5. He’s More Than His Autism.
When you see him lost in thought or flapping his hands, remember he’s more than just his disability. He’s a real boy who struggles with communication. Underestimating him means missing out on knowing an extraordinary kid who has so much to offer.
In sum, my son may not speak, but he has a vibrant personality, a keen sense of humor, and an understanding of the world around him that is often overlooked. For more insights on parenting and fertility, check out our posts on fertility supplements, or consider the resources available for home insemination, like the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit. Also, the Mayo Clinic provides excellent information about various insemination methods.
Keyphrase: Understanding Nonverbal Children with Autism
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