Day: September 8, 2018

Many of us need to withdraw to a quiet or secluded place in which to rest, relax or meditate. Often times if a retreat is part of our home, we name these designated areas/spaces as man cave or she space. Some may enjoy listening to music, reading a good book or watching television while sipping on tea/coffee or whatever ease the soul. The overall purpose of retreating from the world is to recharge our emotions and thinking. Hence just like adults, children especially those with sensory issues need their own space to retreat. However, in social settings finding a private space can be difficult. Often times M awake before the crack of dawn maybe due to a bad dream or undue anxieties. One particular morning M aroused hysterically crying. We immediately went to M room. M kept repeating the word den. Normally, the special area would be a cozy tent in M room. It contain books, a basket of sensory strings, a cozy blanket, small soft pillows and a weighted animal However, M wanted to retreat into the den. Once in the den M snuggled onto the sofa with sensory strings. At first I thought we needed to stay, however it seemed to aggravate M. Of course as parents, we kept an eye on our child while giving some space. I was pleased M was trying to regulate emotions in a positive way.  After awhile, I heard humming coming from the den. I  looked in and was greeted with a smile and “heeey” from M. Yes, M has taught me everyone need alone time and sometimes breaking from the normal retreat area is A ok  as long as it help you to regroup so as to feel like yourself again…even if its three in the morning.

Simply an autism mom learning

We’re gifted with the ability to see in color. In nature, light creates the color and the movement of colors. Hence, it can be said that colors are the smiles of nature. In fact, color has the great advantage of making things more energetic. My mother always loved yellow because to her its energy illuminate optimistic and happiness. In her passing, I too find myself seduce by yellow. Yes, many people do have color preferences for various reasons. The vast colors of the world was intended to give us great pleasure in life.  However, for M this could feel as if the world was whirling around with too many hues of color causing the colors to blur. Thus, making processing difficult. This could have been a major factor inhibiting M from choosing a color preference. In fact, each week M could pick different color leg castings. However, during these times M has never indicated a particular color preference until today. M said the word “oange” aka ‘orange.’ I asked M again just to be sure I heard correctly. M loudly proclaimed “oange.” We had been working on color words for a while.  In that moment perhaps M amazing mind processed the color orange to feeling good or warmth of love. As crazy as it sound, I did a happy dance. I was proud of M making a color choice. True there is a single color that hold the meaning of life, it’s the color of love. However, M taught me being different is what gives the world color…M will be rocking the orange leg casts.

Simply an autism mom learning