Teaching Jeremiah, A Journey into the Mind of an Asperger's Child

Feb. 24, 2008

The Taste of Autism

Jeremiah & Sammy

I just love this picture! It really sums up what yesterday was all about. It was Autism Speaks' Walk for Autism and it was all about raising support for research and programs for autism spectrum disorders. We were blessed enough to have the walking support of a few of our biggest life supporters and friends, the Cragg family. And when I say supporters, I don't use the term lightly. There have been times in my walk with Jeremiah and his diagnosis over the last year and a half that Kim has not just supported me, but carried me. And as for Sammy...well, he has put up with his share of Jeremiah in the past. Still here he was, his short little legs huffing it faithfully the entire mile for his friend.

Though we could clearly look around and see how blessed we are that Jeremiah's Asperger's is not as severe as some of the other children we saw at the walk, John and I shared a moment where we just reflected on where we'd come from, where we were, and where we had yet to go on this journey. When you have children, you envision the birthday parties, the sleepovers, the parades, carnivals, and even the simple get-togethers that await you with your children.

I stood in the midst of thousands of others yesterday and could honestly say that I never pictured myself at such an event when I pondered things I'd do with and for my children. There was such a cameraderie. Kids were crying. Some wondering off the path we were to walk. Others were holding their ears shut from all of the noise. And still others were having complete meltdowns at the overstimulation of it all. But no one seemed to notice really. Everyone was in the same "boat". No one looked at another's child as if to judge them or their behavior. Compassion ruled.

Jeremiah overheard me speaking with a resource person at the walk and she mentioned autism and smiled as she looked down at Jerry. We walked away and Jerry said to me, "Mommy, what autism? Will I like it? Does it taste good?" I wanted to cry and wasn't quite sure how to answer him. I just smiled and told him that autism wasn't something that you ate, but something that you had. He asked me then if he had it and I said yes. I know he didn't understand what I'd just told him because he looked almost proud, as if he'd won some contest and autism was the prize. But I couldn't get his question out of my mind and thought about what autism tastes like the rest of the day. My final conclusion...bittersweet. I'd give anything to shield Jeremiah from the disappointments, hurts, and uncompassion he will face in his daily challenges with autism, but I wouldn't change the blessing he is to our family and the joy he brings to us just the way he is. Bittersweet.

"Team Jeremiah"

Mommy & Jerry

A Sweet Treat