Overwhelmed

We haven't started ABA (Advanced Behavioral Analysis) yet, and I am already overwhelmed. Five days a week, Andrew has therapists coming over, sometimes twice a day. Each time, I worry about whether he has eaten beforehand, did he have a nap, is he going to comply with the demands they make. I am lucky, I get to see Andrew at his best. He's an adorable, loving, interactive hugging machine. Yet, when they come, they don't get to see this.

The boy can't win I tell you. If he does as he is told, and completes a puzzle, the therapists lament that he isn't giving proper eye contact. If he runs away, non-compliant, he's too self directed. 5 days a week, I have people telling me that there is something wrong with my son. Well yes, there is by golly.. he's AUTISTIC.

Sometimes I feel the need to point out the good because they aren't looking. They are stuck on their agenda, and don't acknowledge the fact that this 2 year old just sat for 45 minutes doing everything you asked of him. I have 2 other children who are "normal" who would never sit down for 5 minutes, let alone 45. He completed the new puzzle, or matched the pictures, stacked the cubes, and pushed the right buttons. PRAISE him. If you do, he will eat that up. He will perform even more. If you are all business, he will be all business also. He won't look at you because frankly, he senses your distance.

Ok, I am done venting. I know I am over reacting and probably over identifying. The thing is, I love him. I hate to see him frustrated and miserable when I know that generally he's a happy little man. I want you to see him as I do, but I can't make him give you that. That is something you need to earn by being his friend.

P.S. If you could throw me a bone every once and a while, I would appreciate it. Tell me about his progress and his strong points. Believe me, I know the negatives by heart.