I have to use the word typical - because there really is noting typical about Autism. Mornings are touch and go for Robbie. I used to think it depended on how much or little sleep he got- what snacks he had eaten while the rest of us slept, what movies or videos he discovered or a number of other factors. Now I realize- I have no idea. Each day brings its own set of challenges but there are daily dialogues that remain the same. Lately, Robbie has been stuck in a loop- for lack of better terms. He has been obsessed with the movie " Aliens in the Attic" going on 2 years now. He could recite every word by heart and he talks about it all the time. Every day -at a minimum , he'll ask 25 times " Are you going to fight Aliens with me- like Aliens in the Attic?" He also asks that his siblings, both sets of grand parents and newly - his Aunt Suzie fight aliens along side him. Dad is not included in this fight. In the movie there is tension between the teenage son and his dad- so no Dad. The Aliens take control of the family and there are scenes where Grandmom does an incredible fighting sequence- which he refers to as " Kung fu Grandmom.". In Robbie's room there are images from the movie he's printed and taped together. There are pages of pictures of the characters. We've even watched other movies the actors are in. It's endless.
A new and best comment from this morning- " Mom, I'm a teenager and it's..........hard." That had me doubled over in laughter- very appropriate comment for a 15 year old- autism or not. Additional daily morning conversations include- " I don't want to go to school and do the works." Or - "I yelled at the teacher, I'm sorry I did that." In reality , he may have yelled at his teacher 3 weeks ago but he has trouble moving on. " Mom, feel my heart - you got me? " is always mixed in as his anxiety level increases and you can feel his heart beating fast. I explain - every day- - He will be fine at school. His teachers are not mad at him. He just needs to breathe and his heart will be ok. And most importantly- "Yes Robbie, I will fight Aliens with you- any day and every day. Whatever the Aliens are- I've got you."
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