13 Comments

  1. Leah
    August 7, 2017 @ 6:45 am

    Do you respond to questions when Jack can hear? Does he mind being discussed with strangers, in front of him? My grandson does not like being talked about, so it’s not so easy to respond to questions. Just wondering how you handle that situation.

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    • Janet Houston
      August 7, 2017 @ 8:13 am

      My grandson, seven years old, is the same way. If he’s being discussed, he will do his best to create a distraction, even at the Dr.s office.

      Reply

    • Carrie Cariello
      August 7, 2017 @ 8:20 am

      Well….it can be complicated. Jack wasn’t always crazy about us “explaining” him around others, but I’ve always told him that autism is not a secret or something embarrassing, it just is a part of him, the same as his blue eyes and brown hair.

      Lately he’s been trying to use it as an excuse, “You know! I have the autism.” 😉

      Reply

  2. Kristan Buege Miller
    August 7, 2017 @ 7:02 am

    Your words describe our life completely! My son is 18 years old and going into the 11th grade. Right now I have my mom calling me every time she talks to someone who knows someone with autism that has a job. My mom is really worried about what Mitchell will do once he graduates (well not really graduating, just a completion certificate.) I know that she means well but she is making me crazy! I keep telling her that everything keeps changing, mostly for the better with what job placements and “college” programs are out there. So two years down the road will look a lot different than this year. Keep writing and I will keep reading! I post for the Mid Michigan Autism Association and your posts always make it to MMAA’s page.

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  3. Janet Houston
    August 7, 2017 @ 8:20 am

    I enjoy your poignant posts each week, many times with a lump in my throat. It is comforting to know there are many of us who deal with ASD. My grandson is 7, and was not able to complete the last school year in the classroom because of his disruptions.
    He had to have individual tutoring to finish the year. This year he will attend a new school operated by Easter Seals. My hopes are high, but as we know, there’s not magic switch to create a hoped for change. He’s very intelligent & sometimes that’s a problem in itself. Thank you for posting & sharing Jack with all of us.

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  4. NickyB.
    August 7, 2017 @ 9:01 am

    I literally could’ve written most of this post myself. So many similarities with my MJ and how I feel.

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  5. Shine Bright
    August 7, 2017 @ 8:59 pm

    Your post is beyond amazing ? seriously I’m thankful I found your blog and as I read this I thought dang that feels so familiar. Jack sounds pretty awesome.. I too find myself thinking about all those moments I will miss out on with my daughter and then I also think screw it who wants to be normal anyway …but as strong as we are it’s not easy this i know…so hang in there and I look forward to following your page… I really like how descriptive you are by the way… don’t hold back write more and keep on being a great mom to Jack

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  6. Marsha
    August 8, 2017 @ 2:48 am

    Hi Carrie, this is Nurse Marsha from camp. I wanted to first thank you for sharing Jack with us this summer and secondly thank you for sharing your words, feelings and insights. Being a school nurse and a camp nurse I am always looking to learn better ways to relate to and work with our autistic kiddos. I find that your blog is a great place for me to get to know, understand and learn about my kiddos. Thanks for sharing and I hope we see Jack and your other boys next summer!

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  7. Patti
    August 9, 2017 @ 9:52 pm

    You are a wonderful Mom and a fabulous ambassador for autism. Jack a boo is lucky to have you. Thank you for telling this story.
    Thank you, I am thankful for the normal things my boy (22) is able to do. He is on the spectrum, but functions normally in most circumstances these days. We homeschooled until senior year of high school. Work, community college, and friends are his life now. It is a blessing, I wish it for y’all, too.

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  8. Clare
    August 10, 2017 @ 12:02 pm

    My Jack is 13 fairly non-verbal but sounds like your Jack in many many ways. Every word reasonates with me!! We are a big community now and everyday people astound me with how they encourage my child to feel included, including his step dad who chose to join the different life we live. Who knows what the future holds for either of our Jacks but I sincerely wish the best for you, your Jack and your family x

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  9. terismyth
    August 10, 2017 @ 12:06 pm

    Awe. So happy to hear Marsha’s reply above. I’m glad camp went well. Yes. We have to keep these kids occupied or they go off into their own little world. At 24, my son still goes off to his room to his computer to decompress from his day. He teaches Taekwondo and is a 3rd degree black belt. He loves working with children and has found something he can do. My Andrew is still looking for his true “career” and hopes to find something full time so he can move out on his own. Motivation has always been something we have had to help him with, but he doesn’t like asking for help.

    I can relate to many of your stories about how autism has affected Jack and how problems keep coming up. But i can assure you, he WILL meet friends someday. My son has many, some of which he has had since 3rd grade. Jack will find his way in this world and your patience and guidance will be exactly what he needs.

    Thank you for your words. Your courage is astounding and so helpful to other parents out there who are raising their own children with autism.

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  10. Tina
    August 15, 2017 @ 1:00 pm

    Hi Carrie

    Loved reading this. Interesting how you have also mourned and grieved. I was vilified by social media when I used these words! Still believe it though xx

    Tina

    Reply

  11. Joanna Fisher
    September 5, 2017 @ 5:51 pm

    I am a grandparent of a soon to be 10 year old grandson who is on the Asbergers Spectrum. He was an extremely fussy baby and the family soon noticed odd behavior as he grew. His main issue is with a sensory processing disorder and clothes are his enemy. Right now, he has only been wearing one pair of yellow shorts and a zippered sweatshirt. His Mom has to wash it nightly so it is ready in the AM. Will only wear crocs and never wears underwear. Sleeps with no clothes etc. He has been going to OT for a number of years and speech therapy. He is a great baseball player but can only play for a league that provides support for children with special needs because he will only play in Crocs, yellow shorts and sweatshirt in the hot Georgia sun. I came across one of your articles and so enjoyed the way you expressed your feelings. God bless you and all your family.

    Reply

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