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Sometimes I can’t see the forest for the trees.  I don’t see the progress that Brother is making because I’m too focused on what he’s not doing.  I don’t see it until one day God slaps me upside the head gently points me in the right direction. 

Autistic children have difficulty relating to others.  My son doesn’t understand why he should be concerned about others.  It genuinely confuses him when I try to make him see why he has to make the effort to interact in some way with others unless he needs them for something.  Basically, we are a means to an end (to put it bluntly although there are definitely nuances here–it’s very complicated).

However, I noticed something this week.  During mass on Sunday, Pumpkin’s shoe came off as she climbed back into the pew.  Brother just took it from her and put it on.  I couldn’t believe it.  I started to cry.  Today, Pumpkin was running the water in the sink and having a grand time in the downstairs bathroom.  I was taking care of Sister in the upstairs bathroom so I couldn’t quite make it downstairs.  I asked Brother to go.  He did willingly and quickly (he’s such a dawdler!).  After helping Sister, I peeked downstairs.  He had taken her out of the bathroom.  Then he went in search of the towel and wiped her hands.  The whole time, he was lecturing her on the safety issues of playing in the bathroom and also reminding her to not play in the toilet.  Once again, I cried. 

He’s come such a long way, but I hadn’t noticed.