That’s Autism

family 6

Here is what I will tell you.

We just went to a Christmas light show. One that you walk through with music and people and wind off the lake and the smells of campfire.

It was amazing.

And our family was there.

We did it.

See, our son Cooper wanted to go so bad. He asked us to go.

We wrote it on the calendar.

He was excited for all 37 sleeps as we waited to go.

And as the day approached. And the night before. The morning of. The drive over.

He got…nervous.

His hands covered his ears and he held onto me.

‘Are you sure you want to try buddy?’

A grunt for yes.

That’s what you need to know. He wants to try so badly. So much so that he thinks about something every day and he watches videos of it on YouTube and he makes me write it on the calendar.

He did it folks.

He did it.

And he loved it.

He loved it so much.

After I said to him…’was it EEE (easy) or was it HHH (hard) buddy?’

He looked right at me and said ‘EEE. HHH. EEE.’

See. That’s autism.

It’s easy and it’s hard and it’s easy again it’s up and down. And inside out. And backwards.

For him.

And for our family.

He did it.

And it wasn’t easy.

And I will never not acknowledge how hard he works to be in this world.

Today was a good day. Because we were together.

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.

 

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Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

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