Everyday Is A Journey With Autism

With Caleb life is definitely a journey. Much of me is relieved there has been a diagnosis that makes sense, fits much of what has been going on with him. Now it is just a matter of patience as therapy has begun and his Autism specialist begins to work with him on his behavior and learning about others he interacts with at school, home and everywhere else.

Something I am thinking about doing for Caleb is Karate. I found out through the TEAM centers that Green's Karate in Hixson, TN teaches Karate to children with Autism. In fact, Corey Green has been doing this for quite sometime and has been featured on local and national television news stations. When we visited Green's Karate, Corey showed us the clip from CNN featuring one of his students who has Autism. He works with Lee University in Cleveland, has written a book and working on another and will soon be traveling across the U.S. to help other Karate schools integrate classes in for children with Autism.

Taking Caleb to try out Karate was a relief. I didn't feel on edge because I knew Mr. Green could deal with Caleb. I have tried T-Ball with Caleb and always felt on edge. Parents looked at me as if my child was out of control and I was a careless parent. I tried Bear Scouts with him and felt on edge. As a matter of fact, he and I felt out of place. I have wanted so much for Caleb to be involved in some extracurricular activity.

It means a lot to be around people who understand children with Autism and especially behavioral issues. For years I have been treated as if I am a neglectful parent. Sometimes when Caleb has done things parents have become infuriated with me. I even had one who wanted to pick a fight which I refused to play into. Others have shunned me.

The greatest challenge is dealing with people who want to label Caleb. This has happened at school, church and home. Most people would not know it by looking at Caleb that he is a high functioning Autistic child. There are people who automatically say he is hyper and must have ADHD. Amazing how many people are instant doctors.

Caleb's teacher this year has grown tired of dealing with him and it's obvious when talking with her and reading his "Kid Mail" every day. It does bother me because I felt we were both on the same page since the beginning of the school year. She knows I am doing all I can to help Caleb. I guess she is expecting that his behavior would have shown improvement by now. All I can do for now is take it day by day with him. Everyday I am learning something from him.