Where There’s A Will…

Autism 101:  Individuals with autism tend to “…have eccentric preoccupations or odd, intense fixations…  They tend to follow their own inclinations regardless of external demands…” (Karen Williams)

You got that one right, Karen!

In our home, living with Aaron means that Gary and I also live with his fixations.  Sometimes his obsessions are funny.  Sometimes they are maddening.  Sometimes they are exhausting.

But always, Aaron will…to finish the above title…find a way to fulfill his inner demands of how his life is to be lived.

Like his mealtime routine.  Aaron will always, always, always, have multiple utensils or plates or bowls of whatever kind he desires for each meal.  Here was his place setting recently as he ate lunch in the family room.

IMG_2360

We have come to expect this, and we don’t even try to correct him. He will make sure to have the proper number of knives, forks, or spoons for every meal.  I am just very thankful that I have a dishwasher!

How about movie credits?  Gary and I watched a movie yesterday.  Afterwards, we wondered where the movie was filmed.  We watched the credits to find our answer, which happened to be at the very bottom of the huge stream of names and job titles.  And we laughed at ourselves, realizing we had become…for that moment…just like Aaron.

Aaron…who watches movie credits with as much focus as he watches the movie.

WP_20180916_17_54_42_Pro

 

Aaron loves his Star Light that he turns on every night.  It was a Christmas gift from Kyle and Andrea, and he has turned it on every night since then.   Aaron very quickly developed his own rules for his Star Light.  He wants it turned on just as he is getting into bed.

One night, Gary came upstairs shortly before Aaron was actually getting INTO his bed.  Aaron wanted Gary to see his Star Light, so while Gary stood in the doorway, Aaron turned the light on.  Gary oohed and aahed, Aaron was very happy, and then off went the light.  Maybe two minutes later…tops…Aaron turned the light back on because he was now getting INTO bed and it was the REAL time to turn on his Star Light.

Back to Karen Williams’ quote:  Aaron will follow his own inclinations regardless of external demands.

Gary and I are usually the ones making those external demands in many cases.

Let’s talk sweaters…Aaron’s sweaters, to be precise.  Of course.

Aaron LOVES his sweaters.  Certain sweaters are better than others, and he will wear them until they are worn to bits.  He had this old sweater for several years, but it was his very favorite.  He wore it or carried it or had it nearby, inside and outside…always.

IMG_0424IMG_1150

IMG_0909

 

This year, for Christmas, I ordered him two new sweaters.  They are long and flowing, the kind he loves.  And love them he does!

He wears one pretty constantly.  Inside and outside, his sweater is being worn.

IMG_2296IMG_1868

 

He also wants to wear it to bed, under all his necessary covers…including his new weighted blanket that he loves.  This means that sometimes he gets too hot, but he will rarely agree to sleep without his sweater.  This happened on Saturday night when he talked about being too hot the night before.

Enter the external demands, made by me.  I reminded him that he should remove his sweater before climbing into bed.  He was reluctant, but finally agreed to those external forces trying to rearrange his internal inclinations.

We discussed it on his monitor when I went into my bedroom.  We discussed it as he stood at my closed bathroom door while I tried to brush my teeth.  And he continued to discuss it with Gary after he clomped down two sets of stairs to Gary’s study.

We thought we had won.  We were the new KING AND QUEEN OF EXTERNAL DEMANDS!!!!

Silly us.

Soon Gary came upstairs.  Aaron called out to him from behind his closed bedroom door, wanting one last word with Dad.

And last word it was…for there lay Aaron.

Wearing his sweater.

On TOP of the covers.

We removed our King and Queen crowns as we climbed into our own bed.

Instead, we wore smiles.

Why fight the inevitable, right?

Aaron will always find a way.

IMG_2113

 

 

Author: Patty hesaidwhatks

I'm Patty and I write about our adult son who has Epilepsy and Autism, who still lives with my husband and me, and who is a package full of many surprises and joys and challenges and TALK! Lots of talking, which creates laughter and some other reactions as well. I also write about how God shows Himself to me in everyday life.

20 thoughts on “Where There’s A Will…”

  3. He is so amazing. I absolutely love reading about Aaron. Me? retired Social Worker of Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I loved all who I worked with. We get to see things through a different lens and sometimes it’s amazing. Thank you so much for sharing Patty.. Blessings.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. You really do understand Aaron on a whole different level, Paula, because of your years of experience. How interesting! Thank you for loving all the special ones you helped over the years. And now loving Aaron! Blessings to you! ♥️

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Well, there you go! You ARE royalty!👑👑 That deserves a double crown! Here’s an interesting fact: In I Chronicles 20:2, the crown David placed on his head weighed about 75 lbs.! (I read that this morning). You might want to settle for a tiara!🤣

        Liked by 3 people

  6. A lesson for us all in being resilient and determined; to hold unswerving to what (and even more specifically, WHO) we believe in. A great reminder that perseverance can pay off too. Go Aaron 🥳 You teach us so many lessons.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Hi their Patty, my name is Danny Majoor and I live a couple of 1000 miles away from your home. I am living in the Netherlands nearby Amsterdam!
    I really know that I feel a lot of warmth and love every time I read a new story about Aaron.
    I also know how you and Gary are feeling when something goes completely wrong inside Aaron’s head. The youngest son of my boss has exact the same symptoms as Aaron has.
    He’s autistic and has also epelaptick episodes. He is also a third diagnosed with the Syndrome of Down. He turned two weeks ago 20 years but his brains are not older than the ones of a 6 year old child. I know him all of his life. And he has so many good things to share with me and his family and friends.
    Sometimes I am flabbergasted about something he has done or told to us. I have so much respect for you and Gary and also for my boss and his wife and other son. You both have taken a incredibly big 24/7 in mens job on your shoulders. I know from experience that most of the time these children are put in a sort of home hospital that is specialized in the needs they are have to get every day. You choose to take the responsibility to do it in your own safe and secure home and raise your Aaron and the son of my boss he is by the way named Jaime!
    I really place these kind of incredible people, persons on a 20 caret golden display. I am really grateful for the fact that you are sharing your life with us in the world 🗺 lots of love and happiness and prayers I am sending you and Gary and of course for Aaron to. I am definitely your overseas biggest fan!!!
    XXXXX Danny Majoor

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. How nice to meet you, Danny! And from so far away! Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. I love how you show such understanding and love for your boss’ son. Our special ones are truly awesome and you know that. Thank you for reading and for commenting, and for lifting my spirits by doing so. 😊😊

      Like

      Reply

      1. Hi Patty, thanks so much for your reply. I am promising you that you will always have my support from that tiny little piece of land called the Netherlands. ✌️ 🤝 😉 🤗 💯 😘😘

        Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment