Jonah has Autism

This post has been a long time coming. It’s something I've been thinking about for over a year; it’s something that Layne and I talk about often. It is something that means more to me than I will be able to express in this little post, but I want to try.

 Jonah is a little weird. He prefers to be naked, especially when swimming or jumping on the trampoline. He likes to spin, really fast. He is screamy. He is ALWAYS carrying something around. He doesn't eat most things, but he touches lots of things to his lips. He loves to push his chin into people, sometimes really hard. He giggles. He sits on my lap, and he’s really too big for that. He likes to dump things on his head. He can’t speak and communicates with his device or by taking your hand and directing you wherever he wants you. Sometimes it is hard to be around Jonah.

 He has autism. You know that, right? You know that’s why he is the way he is, a little strange, sometimes naked, often yelling and jumping. But do your kids know? Do your children know the word autism? Do they know that autism is what makes it hard for Jonah to play with them the way other kids do? Do they know that autism makes it nearly impossible for Jonah to speak? Please teach your kids about autism.

 We are not ashamed that Jonah has autism. We are sad sometimes, but we are never ashamed. It is not a secret. Please talk to your kids about autism. Tell them what it is, and why it is and how it affects Jonah. Be clear. Reteach them. Please don’t just tell them, “That’s just how Jonah is.” Because that’s not just how Jonah is, that’s how autism is.

 Jonah is lots of things besides weird. He is really funny. He is loving and affectionate. He is incredibly smart. Sometimes the weird stuff makes it hard to see the great stuff. Sometimes the autism part of him masks the Jonah part of him. Please help your kids see the Jonah part of him. Teach them that the stuff that he does that makes them think he is weird or annoying or impossible to connect with are the autism, and the parts that make him lovable and funny and kind are the Jonah parts.

 If you need resources to teach your kids about autism, find them here:
  Autism Speaks FAQ
  10 Things I Wish Your Kids Knew About Autism
  What is Autism?

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Apparently it's a Jonah week. Here he is giving Daddy a little love. In the three plus years we have been in the autism club, we have learned so very much. The biggest thing I have learned is that just like no two typically developing children are alike, so too are all kids on the spectrum very different. The thing about Jonah that sometimes surprises people is how tender and loving he can be. He is so very affectionate. He loves on Sammy, mom and dad, his teachers at school, grandparents, aunts and uncles, even occasionally a friendly looking stranger. It is a wonderful quality, and one that, especially on difficult days, is an amazing blessing.
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Remember last week when I mentioned the weeds? Remember how I said that was only the beginning? It gets worse. 32010

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Jonah loves pajamas. Every afternoon, around 2 PM he appears naked, carrying his PJs, excited for the comfort that will soon envelop him. Here he is, mid-day, all PJed out, happy as can be. He has climbed up onto the backside of his wading pool; I think he is dreaming of all the swimming days to come. Pictures of those will be up soon! 31910

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Jonah is our puzzle champ. He opened this puzzle for the first time less than two minutes before this picture was taken. He did the same puzzle five times, I think so that he could memorize it. Next time it comes out, he can do it without even thinking about it. He has been known to do puzzles upside down to make them more challenging. He is so super amazing and smart! 31810

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Sammers in his St. Patrick's Day green shirt. Looking at him makes me feel lucky. 31710

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With Rex gone, Jonah got moved to the middle seat in the van. New views, much to see, little patience for the camera, oh so handsome :) 31610