I am continually amazed as I watch Boo Bear communicate with his AAC. The other night I was sitting on the couch reading. He brought his device over and sat down next to me. He said, “Mom”. I said “Yes?” He said, “Hi.” I said, “Hi”. This is one of the first time he has interacted with me just to check in and say hi. He did not want anything to eat or drink. He did not want to go anywhere. He just wanted to say hi and sit next to me. He continued to mess around on his device while putting a hand on my leg. I continued reading. It was a very quiet moment. One that would be missed by the casual observer. But it is a moment that I felt deep within my core. I hold no stock with “theory of mind”. Boo Bear knows who he is as a person. He knows who I am as a person. He knows how to reach out and show love. He will never go for the big demonstrative moments, but he lets me know in the little ways that he is right there, connecting with me. As I keep telling teachers, therapists, and other parents, always presume competence. I stand back and watch in awe as my son continually surprises me with his insights and comments. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving weekend. Be good people. Peace, y’all.
Harriet's Hedgehogs and Autism Advocacy 