I’m rocking Stevie Wonder song in my ear.  The birth of this young man taught many lessons.  His life and all the things defined in the life that he could not do paved the way for new choices, changes,  and accommodations.  Whatever was defined as his deficit gave our family a great strength to go and do research.   This would help find this young man a way to navigate a path to success.  Yes, it landed on our doorstep.  Our family was not afraid to tackle the frustration. For some family members, there were moments of embarrassment, tears, and laughter. This was an educational moment! The greatest teaching moments of all TIMES was not to be viewed as all the things he could not do. It gave each family member the opportunity to see what they were not to take for granted and appreciate what they had the ability to do.

Coming from the Flip Side Of The Chart as the diagnosis was handed down at that very moment in TIME I realize my diagnosis was more of the killer.  Cancer is a systemic disease and can spread like a wild-fire.  Nonverbal Learning Disability is encompassed by social, motoric, and visual-spatial components. This is not a killer.  Secondary to the initial diagnosis, anxiety, panic, stress, and depression can raise its ugly head.  Don’t be afraid it is TIME to develop strategies and coping skills.   The only thing which would be a killer about my son diagnosis is not knowing, not having a support system, and understanding that his behavior was UNINTENTIONAL.  My son is not Emotionally Disturbed. He cannot read or understand people emotions because of impaired social interaction.  This happens when he or others fail to respond to their name and often avoid eye contact with other people. He has difficulty interpreting what others are thinking and feeling because he can’t understand social cues such as facial expression, the intonation of one’s speech, body language, and he doesn’t watch others facial expression to gather social cues.  His behavior would seem inappropriate because he lacks the ability to show empathy, compassion, and support. The good news is he is willing to learn.  Was his behavior Intentional? No! Parents, relatives, friends, and associates need to learn and realize about people we encounter in life as awkward or may not be considered as social butterflies. The OSCARS proved that by a young man admission of feeling rejection and had attempted to take his life at the age of 16.  Now it was his moment in TIME to shine. Bottom line, the opposite end of the spectrum should not judge the behaviors of others because they can choose and make the right decision.   They choose to throw it all away because of selfishness and greed. Every individual does not have that choice.  Neurological disorders rob many individuals of that choice.

All that Psychological jargon or babble and all it boils down to helping the individual put the pieces of the puzzle together when they don’t get the whole picture. It is making the person aware that if he sounds rude or terse point it out and helps him use more constructive words. Give the individual HOPE and let them know everyone makes mistakes.  Make it clear it is not one person on this planet that knows everything or can do everything.  Make it clear there are 24 hours in a day and they did not mess up all 24 hours. Whatever you do always INCLUDE the individual. Never assume the individual knows always TEACH.  Life is a thread. Through the eye of the needle, our stitches must be bound tight and we must pay attention and stay focus. For those who cannot stay focus another route can be taken.

You’ve Given So Much

When he became frustrated with tying his shoes he wore slip on and velcro. It was his choice to learn to tie his shoes and he did it after 11 years.  No pressure!  No big deal or rush.  He got sick of people saying use your imagination. We came up with the appropriate words to help people understand abstract concept needs to take shape on concrete planes. This is not Christopher Columbus you are dealing with. In today’s TIME, it would be Dora The Explorer. You are working with the ultimate construction worker who needs the concrete poured on. In today’s TIME, it is Bob The Builder.  So what if you couldn’t use a mop or a bucket because it is hard for you to measure. Check out that Swifter you are slinging around like Zorro.  Washing your clothes has become a breeze using those new PODs. No longer will you need liquid bleach now that they have Evolve Bleach Tablets.  Man, there are so many wipes.  There are furniture wipes, glass wipes, electronic wipes,  and disinfectant wipes. Spray bottles would slip out of your hands.  As Seen On Tv has developed so many inventions to keep you from ever using a knife because of coordination problems.  It lowers the risk of you cutting yourself.  The injuries had diminished since platform beds are now the trend. To make life more bearable the sofa bed and the hide-a-way sofa beds inside the chest is ever so awesome. Forget about getting frustrating because you can’t put the sheet on the bed. Who cares!  Just shove that bed back down in the chest and Voila! These Chest sofa beds can be found on Amazon.com, Costco.com, Overstock.com, Tuesday Morning and HomeGoods. So we are not tripping off the fact you can’t fold your oversized comforter. Now we have throws 50×60 or 60×72.  Make sure they are nice and soft if you have sensory integration issues.  Those wonderful swivel chairs.  Don’t forget the swinging chair from Pier One. Make sure you got your flavored tea, coffee, and scented candles ready to go.  What about the sensor trash can you run your hand over or the Perfect One-Touch Tea Pot. Oh, Lawd!  Otto-mation! Those oversized ottomans which are really chest and no more anger with the hangers.  Just put your clothes in the chest and have an organized room.  The navigation device on your iPad and all the Apps that have brought your world into clear focus. It’s all about CHANGE and the ability to make CHANGES.

You’ve Given So Much

To help me through the darkest storm.

Research and education kept me armed.

The diagnosis set off a few alarms.

Applying LOVE and UNDERSTANDING it could do no harm.

Through the lens of my eyes, I acknowledged faulty perception.

Make sure you address any type of deception.

Isolation is used for man’s transgression.

Inclusion, Strategies and Coping Skills is used for man’s progression.

Whatever was lost it can become one’s gains.

The lesson to learn is to reduce the hurt and pain.

Make changes in your life and banish the stains.

The Greatest Love Of All will always remain.

My son opened a doorway and handed me a key.

Reflecting on his life will help him be the best he can be.

It knocked on our door for us to see.

He is a masterful educator for you and me.

You’ve Given So Much

Mom and the Crew are just around the corner looking out for you.