I am still working, and more and more my work frightens me a bit. There are so many things that can happen that we can't control.
One of the things that makes me scared is the unexplained increase in Autism Spectrum Disorders. About ten years ago I was a bit skeptical. Was this being over-diagnoses? Were kids who were a little odd or a bit removed getting labels that would hurt their lives? Or were they getting labels so that they could qualify for more educational services?
I didn't know.
But as the years went by and I saw more families with these boys, mostly boys, I was convinced by the evidence that something was happening.
Now, this is a Spectrum disorder, and some of these kids are different, but fine. They miss some social cues, and they over-focus, but they can be well-adjusted and productive. But others are further down the Spectrum. Some need help, some need a lot of help, and some are just overwhelmingly non-functional.
And the numbers seem to be increasing. According to recent data 1 in 52 boys are on the Spectrum. That's almost 2%. There seem to be some contributing factors, such as older parents, especially older fathers, but the real cause is not clear.
At the end of August my third grandchild, and first grandson was born. I had no reason to suspect that anything was wrong, but I have seen how much time and attention and effort a special needs child can absorb from a whole family, and I would do it if that was necessary, because what else do you do, but I would prefer not to.
But now he boy is over two months old. He looks at my face, old and puffy as it is. He looks in my eyes as I hold him. He reaches out to be held. He now smiles when I play with him and move his hands and he coos back at me when I coo at him.
He's fine. He passed. I'm don't have to worry.
In six months I'll buy him a truck and a basketball.
I did that for his older sister too, but now all she wants is her tu-tu and to dance! How does this happen?
Anyway, Lets all Dance!!
Happy Holiday if you Can.
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