August 2, 2023
My Nonspeaking Autistic Boy Finds Connection and Joy
This photo.
I know it looks so ordinary.
Two kids. Tweens actually.
A silly younger brother photobombing.
It’s anything but ordinary. It’s extraordinary really.
My son is 12 years old. He was diagnosed with nonspeaking autism at age 3.
And I’ve wondered from the very beginning if he’d ever have a friend.
Her name is Peyton. They met at school.
Her diagnosis doesn’t matter to him. Or us.
She does all the talking.
She holds his hand a lot.
He kisses her on the forehead.
She tells him what to do and where to go. And she sits with him when he needs a rest.
I have never seen him frustrated with her. Never. Not once.
She has forced her way ever so gently into his world.
When we got to adaptive baseball this week the first thing I heard when I opened my car door was…
‘They’re here! Cooper is here. Kate!!! Where is Cooper?’
After the game she asked if she could ride in our car to the store.
I teared up a bit. Ok a lot.
A friend. A real friend.
She thanked me a dozen times. I could have thanked her a million.
Look at his smile. He loses it sometimes. His Apraxia steals it away.
‘Put your arm here Cooper. We are smiling now.’
This photo means everything to me. And a little more.
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.
