Tonight, at R's school, they held a little pumpkin decorating thingy, with different stations and sensory tables with slimy pumpkin seeds and stuff. We took a small pumpkin as requested and went.
We were about to leave for home, but I had an over-powering need to have R's teacher see that R was there. We went back into the thick of the crowd, winded around the hallway to get to the largest of the rooms via the back door. his teacher was right inside.
She was cute with Robbie. She's just cute. A little boy called Austin ran up, excitedly, with another boy. He kind of shook the other boy's shoulder and said, "Look! Rob's here! it's Rob! He's here!"
The very second Robbie saw Austin, he seriously like snapped into a different kid. He and Austin hugged, then R immediately started chasing Austin around until he caught him. then Austin chased R. They did this many, many times, and there was more hugging.
R has never chased anyone. I have tried hundreds of times to explain and show and teach R about chasing. Never made it work for us. And the hugging! My God, the hugging!
I just stood there and cried. And then I sought out Austin's mom to blather at her about how amazing her son is. (I had been fed bits here and there, mostly via the Communication Notebook, about how much Austin and Rob like each other, and that once they had hugged. I had no idea the degree of everything they have as friends. Yes, as friends.) She was just the sweetest woman. Said Austin is just good with everyone.
Robbie played with another boy. Robbie has a friend.
I wasn't sure either of those things would happen. Ever.
Comments (6)
Wow. That made me cry. So happy for this milestone in your lives. If it can happen once, it can happen many, many times.
Posted by marian | October 26, 2006 9:35 AM
There are lots of kudos to hand out here: First, to you, for taking Robbie to an event where there are bound to be certain expectations of the kids -- and autistic behavior isn't one of them; second, to Austin, pure positive energy in child form; third, to Austin's mother for allowing him to remain that way; fourth, to Robbie's teacher, who loosened the school rules enough for Robbie to learn "chasing"; and, finally, to Robbie, for stepping outside of his comfort zone to hug and connect.
It's an inspirational story, T. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by Susan | October 26, 2006 10:49 AM
you know, i have spent years taking Robbie in every type of public
place and showing him how to follow along with me, and how to have fun
without bugging other people. and, really, i can take him anywhere and
we can do anything.
also, i know that if something does happen, if someone gets
confrontational or glares at us or whatever, i absolutely can handle
it, and handle it well.
Posted by trisha | October 26, 2006 11:28 AM
I remember thinking that Kirby would never be invited for a playdate or a birthday party ... but it happened.
Man, the hugging and the chasing of Austin and Robbie must have been a sight to see.
I've missed you.
Posted by The Scarlett | October 29, 2006 11:13 PM
Beautiful and amazing!
Posted by Sarahlynn | November 2, 2006 3:06 PM
That's intensely good stuff, trish. :)
Posted by deb | November 13, 2006 8:40 PM