Yesterday was mostly about socialisation.
Cai has high functioning ASD, and until recently showed little interest in making friends. He would play happily and patiently with--or beside--other kids, share and take turns nicely then would walk away without saying goodbye or acknowledging them. I worried about him, and rejoiced at any sign of socialising, but I was beginning to accept that he just wasn't wired for it. Any encouragement by wider family to "make friends" would be met by him placidly saying "Some people don't have friends. It's okay."
Other the last few weeks, however, things have started to change. We spent some weeks in the UK, and Cai spent a lot of time playing with his English younger cousins. For the first time, he became really attached. When we came back, he started really playing with other kids in playgrounds and playgroup, actively interacting with them. It was a huge difference.
So yesterday was a playdate with a new friend of mine with a little girl. It was fantastic. Cai and Lilith played and played, hugged and kissed, shared everything, giggled their heads off, and cried when they had to part. We have many play dates planned in the future!
Seriously, seeing our autistic son make a friend like that was a miracle.
Cai also, at his own request, spent Wednesday morning in a casual session at daycare, something we haven't done for a long time. The last few times were disasters and he had to be rescued. This time, it went brilliantly, I had a few hours to write, and when I came to collect him he was joining in on a group game and giggling.
His paediatrician on Monday mentioned he seemed like an entirely different child to six months before, and asked what our magic wand was. Really, it's come down to letting him set the pace and not letting ourselves get pushed into stressing him out "because he has to learn". Cai knows when he's ready.
I'm excited--and a little apprehensive--about stepping up the socialisation side of his life. But it's something we always planned. Part of our reason for homeschooling is replacing the intense, peer pressured, artificial school environment with the chance to interact with and make friends with people of all ages and interests.
Picture credit: mcconnmama
