Here is a link to an article on autism in adults getting some attention in the media...
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=098b75fe-c1af-428e-aba6-3a75ba916533

Friend or not?

Recently, my heart hurt for my son. Social skills are difficult for him. His preschool class this past year was 90% girls and only 5 boys. One of the other boys Samuel was a good friend to Jake, but the other boys weren't that close with him. They were by no means unkind, they just weren't as friendly. This past week we ran into one of these little boys around town. I encouraged Jacob to go say hi to him. Jacob went up and told the child where he knew him from and asked would he like to play with him. The boy, turned up his nose at Jacob and wouldnt answer him. I dont know if he was shy, didnt remember Jake or didnt want to play with him. All I know is that when I asked him later, Jacob said that he was sad that he couldnt play with his schoolmate.
I know that every child is exposed to this behavior, but I ache to know that it is probably because Jake has problem playing appropriately and being on the same level as other boys his age. He still likes playing with toys that his 3 year old brother likes and sometimes, I have to encourage him to pick more 'mature' toy choices.
I am encouraged by his growth socially over the last few months. He is doing so well, that many people dont even realize that he's delayed.
I keep reminding myself that the point of life is not to be well liked or get along with everyone- the point of life is to know and love your Creator and serve Him with all of the unique talents that He provides you. Jacob has the gift of laughter and charm. He is full of energy and liveliness. He likes everyone and doesnt look down on anyone. What a gift.
Because of his comprehension issues with language, Chris and I struggle with how to help him understand who God is and how they can have a relationship together. I must rest in the fact that God loves him more than I ever could and that He'll take care of that, and I just need to be faithful to him by loving Christ with all of me, and Jacob will see God's love in me. Trust. I trust that God is my friend and he wont turn up His nose at me or my son.

Summertime

We have always had Jacob in individual sports, for obvious reasons. Social skills are difficult for him. But this summer we prayerfully decided to try a team sport- indoor soccer. As any parent will tell you, watching your child struggle is like having your heart ripped out of your chest cavity and having it stomped on by a 300 pound man wearing cleats.

Seriously, it has been hard. Not for him mind you, but for Chris and I. It is hard to see him skipping on the field, not hearing his coach or paying attention to where the ball is on the field; knowing he is in another world somewhere- having a great time, but not here on earth with us. He has made some progress for sure and he is enjoying himself. He loves being around 2 of the kids on his team a lot and likes wearing all the 'gear.'

We want Jacob to grow, but man is it hard to experience. God is showing me the high expectations that I have not only for myself, but also my child. My beautful, imperfect child. I grieve him not being 'normal' or 'typical,' whatever you want to call it, because I know he will struggle. And despite the fact thtat I know that trials develop perseverance and faith, I so hate to see him go through them. Why? God can totally use his disorder for Jake's good, for my good, for Chris' good, for Luke's good, for a stranger's good. I guess I dont like pain, especially my child's. But, God knows that and He shows me grace everyday. So... challenge your child, because they won't grow if they don't try.