Kael 101

I should have called my last post about Kael's diagnosis something other than Autism 101 because in re-reading it I realized I didn't actually write that much about autism. But it did open a few eyes I think, as far as helping people understand Kael a little bit better. The most current statistic I found was that 1 in 90 kids in America are diagnosed with some form of autism- so even if you don't know Kael, chances are pretty good that you know a child with autism.

People kept saying to me, "I read your post about Kael and I had no idea!" To that I reply, "Great!" Not because I want to hide Kael's autism but rather I think it's so wonderful that all of the work he's done has paid off. As I mentioned, we have had people (AEA, doctors, teachers) working with Kael since he was just over a year and a half old. There were times I wondered if he would ever talk, make eye contact, or thrive in a general eduaction classroom. To see how far he's come, and for the general public to think he's totally "normal" (the autism community would probably rather I use the term "neurotypical") is truly a testament to how hard Kael has worked. What matters to me is not that people think Kael is "normal", but rather that he receives the same treatment and opportunities as a "normal" child would. So for those of you out there who had no idea about Kael- wonderful! I hope these blog posts continue to keep you updated about Kael and his amazing progress!


Here is the more appropriately titled Kael 101. Just a few tidbits- I would do a Kael Top 10 but I fear it would get pretty lengthy...


He has an AMAZING memory. The other day he said, "Mom, Monday is purple, Tuesday is green, Wednesday is red, Thursday is blue and Friday is orange." I know his brain well enough to assume he was talking about a calendar of some sort that he had seen but I inquired about which calendar he might be referring to. He looked at me as if it couldn't be more obvious, "Mom, those were the colors of our days on the calendar at Triad." Triad is where he went to preschool when he was 2. Wow.

Conversely, he has trouble remembering directions. Especially if multiple steps are involved. If I were to say, "Kael, go to your room, put your shoes on and don't forget to grab your backpack", chances are he would make it to his room, then forget what he was supposed to be doing there. I've been lucky enough to devise a simple solution- I say, "Kael, go to your room. When you get there I need you to do 2 things (hold up two fingers). First, (touch one finger) put your shoes on. Second (touch second finger) grab your backpack." And as he starts to walk away I say, "Kael, remember 2 things." This works wonders. The simple act of him seeing me physically hold up and touch two fingers reminds him that he needs to do two things and helps his brain break it down a little bit.

Kael's ears are a constant source of discomfort for him. Poor guy. He had tubes put in his ears when he was 3 but he continues to battle ear infections well past an age where many kids have outgrown them. If there is any sort of fluid on his ear, he is irritable.

Kael's sense of balance is unbelievable. He almost never slips, trips, falls, missteps or anything like that. There's a park close by that has a big climbing structure and ever since Kael was little, I don't worry about him at all when he's climbing that high. Kael is somehow subconciously aware of his position at all times. (Oh, if Kylee only got some of that balance- or if we could have somehow split it 50/50 between the kids. We jokingly call her Kylee Grace because she sure could use some gracefulness...)

It is not uncommon for Kael to throw up. It's just not a big deal to him. Half way into his kindergarten year he had thrown up 3 times at school alone. His teacher said one time it was his turn in a math game, he just went to the front of the room, threw up in the trash can then went about his turn. Kids on the autism spectrum tend to have tummy troubles of some sort and Kael's is his tendency to throw up.

Sensory issues are very real to him. Example: right now as I'm writing this, I can see Kylee giving Kent a kiss, hear Kael playing Wii, feel the warmth of our fireplace, smell the conditioner in my hair...but yet I can focus on the writing I'm doing. Kael's brain cannot prioritize all the things he is sensing. For example, at school he might hear his teacher talk but can't recognize that as more important than the noise of the air conditioner humming, or the girls next to him whispering or the smell of the school cafeteria.

There are a lot of scary statistics out there about autism. One is that currently costs assciated with raising an autistic child are approximately 3.2 million. Of course, Kael falls on the much more high-functioning end of the spectrum, so he doesn't require as many therapies and aids as some other children might. But, if you're looking for a fun way to get involved, here is an event that's coming up:

http://www.holesforhopefoundation.org/.


I can honestly say that not a day goes by that I wish Kael was "normal". Do I wish his life was a little easier? Sure, but just like every other mom in the world wishes for her children, the only wish that I have for my Kael is that he is truly happy. I love that little guy so very much.