↓
 

Authentic John

talking through typing

Advice for a Mom

Authentic John Posted on by

I was asked to advise a Mom whose son may be diagnosed by doctors as autistic last week.  Here’s what I typed: (Caps original to emphasis) for her,

“Take a deep and awesome breath.  With ANY DIAGNOSIS COMES “TRUTH” FROM ANOTHER, AND THAT IS WHERE THE TRAP IS, FOR ALL OF YOUR FAMILY.  AS SOON AS YOU SAY HE IS AUTISTIC, YOU SAY SOMETHING LIKE, HE ALWAYS WILL BE DIFFERENT.  AUTISM IS NOT A HAPPENING.  AND YOUR SON …WILL BE ALWAYS A lastingly gifted person.  All you have to do is watch him and not your ASSUMPTIONS.  WE WHO SO FULLY STRUGGLE TO PASS AUTISM PANEL REVIEW ARE USUALLY SMARTER THAN OUR TESTERS.  THEY IMPRISON US WITH THEIR ASSUMPTIONS.  BE VERY CAREFUL OF EXPERTS AND THEIR TESTS.  TRY PASSIONATELY EVERYTHING TO COMMUNICATE.  YOUR SON CAN HELP YOU TO HELP HIM. WE WILL BE HERE IF YOU NEED US.”

Comments

Advice for a Mom — 8 Comments

  7. Dear John,

    I am the mom that you sent this to on the day we were having my Mason tested. You will never know how much that meant to me! You sent me this text and then your dad talked to me on the phone the whole way to the hospital. It has given me tremendous strength and encouragement over the last 2 months. I have it saved in my phone and read it over and over again on challenging days.

    I haven’t filled you in on the rest of the story…That day was a rough one for Mason as far as his SPD goes. He was extremely overwhelmed with all the doctors in the room and the requests they were making. Our OT that sees Mason every week was part of the team evaluating him and because it was such an “off” day, they decided he needs further evaluation at Children’s Hospital downtown. Our next appointment is August 15.

    Mason will be three on April 25 so he is aging out of the Early Intervention program and will be starting preschool on his birthday. I’m a nervous wreck but I understand this is exactly where he needs to be. I’m sure it will be harder for me than it will be for him. :) Any words of wisdom from you would be much appreciated.

    Thank you again for your kindness. Your are an amazing young man, John. Thank you for sharing your story with the world!

  8. Dear Nanci,
    Yes, our work together to support your son patiently begins now. When we awesomely look at some really amazing gifts that Mason has that no one is discovering because they lack them and don’t like to measure what might make them less expert, it doesn’t reduce the potential of the gifts any less. Essentially, we must certainly deeply join Mason where he walks in sad loneliness each day as soon as possible. When can he begin to communicate? Awfully great chance it is today. We amazingly have an autism whisperer here who might help. Your son is as wonderfully aware as anyone, and probably more. We need him to help awesome all areas where he is suffering. Really, his dad will be important to him as a supporter and protector from experts who would diminish him. We are here to help, and pray every day for those in isolation. Your son is lucky to have you. Each day, be present to him in his world. Slowly, the worlds can come together. Your thinking and patient love will deepen. Powerful growth is likely as you go with God’s plan for you.
    John

    Sorry Nanci,
    John’s support was out of town or working until tonight. He wanted to type his response right away.

↑