This is a post in the weekly Autism Hopes series by Lisa Quinones-Fontanez, a mom who blogs over at AutismWonderland.
Before I became a mom, I had all these ideas about the kind of mother I would be and the kind of child I would raise. During my pregnancy, I dreamed about the instruments he’d play and all the sporting events we’d attend. I imagined him being on the honor roll and eventually going away to college. I wanted my child to have every opportunity I didn’t have and more.
After Norrin was diagnosed with autism, I spent those first few months wondering what kind of life our son would have. I wondered if any of my dreams for him could ever be a reality.
I’ve come to accept and understand Norrin’s autism. I know that he’s bright, I don’t need an honor roll to tell me that. And I’ve learned that for us, it’s about goals not grades.
These are ten of the life skills I want Norrin to learn:
Hygiene and Self-Care. Norrin is 7.5 years old and I still assist with bathing and washing his hair. I still brush his teeth because he has difficulty. He understands he has to do these things he just has trouble doing them independently.
Money Management. I’m not talking about stocks and bonds or balancing a check book. But I’d like Norrin to be able to go into a store and know how to pay for something.
Initiate an Appropriate Conversation. Norrin is verbal however, much of his speech is scripted and extremely self-directed.
Prepare a Meal. Whether it’s warming up chicken nuggets in the microwave, boiling some pasta with broccoli or making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I want Norrin to be able to cook a meal for himself if he’s hungry.
Learn to Take Public Transportation. Living in New York City, we always take public transportation. Norrin does really well on the bus and train. One day, I’d like him to be able to take the train or bus – even if it’s just one or two stops – on his own.
Safety Awareness. Norrin is a bit of a daredevil. I admire his sense of fearlessness but it also makes me nervous. I want Norrin to understand how to cross a street, recognize when something is on fire or realize when he needs to stop and listen to instructions from first responders.
Learn a Marketable Skill/Trade. Last year we moved Norrin from a regular public school environment to a smaller school specifically for children with special needs. I don’t know if Norrin will be able to receive a high school diploma or go on to college. But I hope he will be able to work. I believe in him and I know he can be a contributing member of society.
Have a Friendship. Norrin doesn’t have friends. Sure there are kids at school that he calls friends and there are some other kids he likes to play with. But as Norrin is getting older, friendships are getting harder. The kids that were okay playing with him two years ago are growing up and interested in different things. I just want Norrin to have one friend, one person in this world who gets him, the way I do.
Learn to Swim. Norrin loves the water! He could spend every summer afternoon at the pool. I want him to be able to learn how to swim. I want him to have something he can feel proud of doing. And it’s a skill that could save his life.
Ride a bike. We just bought Norrin his very first big kid bike. Over the last five years we’ve gone through tricycles, big wheels and scooters. They’ve all been difficult for him to maneuver. He just didn’t have the coordination to pedal and navigate. But he’s been practicing at home and at school. And he’s doing so well! I could see the training wheels eventually coming off.
These are the dreams I have for him. All I want for Norrin is to master the life skills that will make him independent and feel good about himself. That’s the best life skill of all.
What life skills do you want your child to learn?