I have watched Pixar's "Finding Nemo" 124,856 times (no joke). It was infant Aidan's favourite movie that still continues at almost 13 years of age. It is a road trip classic. For those of you who may not be familiar with the storyline, young Nemo is raised by his father, Marlin (mom and siblings were a tasty treat for a predator). Marlin, like most sole parents, was very protective and more so due to Nemo's "small fin" that I suppose would identify him as having a disability in the Clown Fish pool.
Just like our children on the Autism Spectrum.
Nemo at the "drop off"
This blog is not about Pixar movies or determined fish, it is about the same fierce force of independence that drove Nemo from the safety of his fishy friends and swam on his own. That happened in my world this Monday February 22nd to be exact. Aidan at almost 13 is discovering his own version of swimming solo and it involves the "Drop Off" at Middle School. Manoeuvring a locker, multiple binders, books and the rest is a struggle for most pre-teens, add Autism to the mix and it creates a need for planning and supports for success.
I have been the executive functioning coach every morning. We get to his locker, get sorted, check his list (visual cues, so critical), drop his first class materials and then my work is done (until end of the day). He has peers and educational support workers that help during the day. Well, as of Monday (after a few weeks of shadowing and not prompting) I did not enter the school - I didn't have to worry about looking somewhat presentable - I just "dropped off" curb side. Aidan is proud of his new found independence, (and at end of day, I just wait at entrance doors). His "I can do attitude" is moving into other areas as well. He grabbed the hair dryer the other night and dried his own hair, and that is continuing.
The ability of our kids to gain even small steps of independence is such a celebration. It brings back memories of all my children as toddlers taking their first steps. Autism involves many first steps and sometimes it takes many attempts, but trust your instincts and theirs and they will let you know when they are ready. And I am one happy mom at the "Drop Off" line!
