Repeat

Before Justin actually began talking, he repeated things. Echolalia is what it is called. He would repeat his name over and over again. He even repeated phrases. So now that’s he’s older the echolalia is no longer present. However he still repeats things in a new way. For instance, when you discuss something new with Justin, he will talk about it for days. He will keep repeating the questions and then will repeat thoughts. I find it amazing and amusing. I get so tickled to listen and see how he processes things. He even smiles when he’s figured things out.

A few weeks ago a good friend of ours gave him a simple little iPod speaker. Justin was so happy to have the speaker. He talked about the pro’s and con’s of the speaker daily. He even talked about how he wouldn’t have even received the speaker if I hadn’t gone out to a Mind Body Spirit Expo with her and a few friends and family members. I smiled and realized that he connects everything. Things it took me time to notice and become aware of he’s already aware of. Each day with him makes me grateful to have him.

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Can you wake me up?

So, yesterday I woke Justin up about twenty minutes later than he normally wakes up. I knew he was gonna be in a bad mood but I was prepared to deal with it. I use laughter as a coping mechanism to keep myself calm and so I don’t get upset with him. Justin hates when I laugh at him. I don’t laugh at him to hurt his feelings. I just laugh to help him relax and to help him to laugh at things instead of being so anxious. 

Just last year he was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. It was a challenging time before this new diagnosis. He was and had to be perfect. I know no one is perfect. But in Justin’s mind, everything has to be perfect and he had to be perfect. I try to remind him daily that we all make mistakes and that no one is perfect. I still have a lot more convincing to do. 

So, back to the story! Justin walked back and forth through the house after I woke him up. He huffed and sighed as he walked. I knew that based on the time I got him up and hearing him sigh repeatedly, he was not a happy camper. It took until his seventh pace before he stopped asked angrily, "Can you please wake me up early?" I immediately said sure, making sure I didn’t laugh until he left my sight. Justin is so predictable. I love that about him. I know his ticks.

Because Justin is a perfectionist in his own way. He has to wake up early so he can have some relaxing time before we leave for school. He even has to arrive to school early so he can have time alone to himself before the rest of the children arrive. He loves to be punctual. If he’s late for anything, Boy oh boy, do I hear it! 🙂 

I truly love this kid! I love his autism just like he does. The other day he said to me, “I love the fact that I have autism! I’m proud to have it”. I’m amazed at the things he says. I ❤️ his perfect imperfections.