Bushel & A Peck
  • Blog
  • Health & Fitness
  • Artist Biography
  • Paintings
  • Photography
  • Drawings, etc.
  • About Me
  • Contact Me






Autism & "The Spark"

1/16/2014

3 Comments

 
   Ever since Caleb was young, and there was even a notion that he might have autism, I haven't stopped reading and trying to learn about it because every time I educate myself more, I not only understand autism better, but I connect with my son because I get a glimpse into his mind . 
Picture
Caleb "driving" a tractor he got for his 2nd birthday. He honestly didn't understand how to steer it until he was about 4 years old.
   So it was with this same desire for knowledge that led me to read a book I was hearing so much about, "The Spark". 
   "The Spark" was written by Kristine Barnett, a mother of a boy with autism. The sub-title of the book "a mother's story of nurturing genius" drew me in because I desire to make Caleb as great as he can be, whatever that may be. 
Picture
"The Spark" from Random House Publishing (I obviously do not own this picture).
   The truth is, I couldn't put it down. But the other truth is, it made me feel jealous, and wish Caleb was smarter.....I know that sounds terrible to say, but it's how I felt. But, it also made me wish there was a more "normal" story about a kid with autism in the top 10 sellers list. 
   Basically the story goes that her son Jacob (Jake) was diagnosed as a child, told he wouldn't amount to much, but she knew there was something more to him; that he was brighter than anyone gave him credit for.   
Picture
Kristine and Jake. A photo from The Indianapolis Monthy.com
   In case anyone wants to read it, I won't share much from the book, but let me just say it is amazing. I can say it ends with Jake in the present day, being paid to research quantum physics at the age of 14. Kristine is a remarkable woman for seeing more to her son than what the experts saw, but I honestly feel like this book perpetuates the "Rain Man" image most people have of autism....
Picture
Caleb stuck in a box....and holding a pickle! He held pickles for years (thanks to Veggies Tales), and I found shrivelled pickles everywhere for years!
  There are no amazing, best sellers about kids with autism who just stop having freak-outs everyday, and then life is a little better. Or how a family tried for 15 years to potty train their autistic child, and it finally worked. I realize that would make for a very boring story, but it would be the more typical story of autism. 
  I love my son, but sometimes a story like this makes me wish he were a genius, and that I could suddenly "find him" because we discovered his true calling. I can work, and work with him, and he isn't going to be in line for a Nobel Prize anytime soon! The truth is, I asked him last night what he might want to be when he grew up, and he said, ".......uhhhhh.....I dunno" (mono-toned, of course). I was just glad he actually answered my question! As parents of regular, or special needs kids, we are always doubting ourselves, and wondering if our kids could be more if we helped them be more. And secretly, we are always sizing our special needs child up with another child with a similar diagnosis.   
Picture
Caleb, around 5 years old, so happy (I remember he was laughing at our dog Lucy who was running around like a lunatic!).
  My son does have his own spark, though, not one of genius. 
  If you've met him, you know what I mean. He can be really funny (on purpose and by accident!), can be very sensitive (if he sees me crying he will often say, "Mom is so wet eyes"-trust me, that's sweet!). He has learned to read, write, do math, speak some french, and use Google to search for Buzz Lightyear! 
   We have hopes for Caleb, but it is hope weighed down by reality/not wanting to feel disappointed. On one hand, you want to push your child, and make sure they are learning and being everything they possibly can so that you can look back and not wonder, "what if I had tried harder". But, on the other hand, part of you wonders if it will be worth the effort, and if anything will come of all the hard work.      
   In the end, the truth about Caleb is that he makes me raging mad (but only because I see my own faults), but he also makes me laugh until my face is hurting. He makes me see things I never would have noticed (like how in his words "owl is a funny robot!"-it's true, watch an owl move it's head!), and feel things I never would have without him.
    Caleb is a spark in my life, so, I think that counts for everything it needs to.     
3 Comments
Sarah
1/15/2014 09:38:11 pm

I will check the book out!! have you read "love anthony"? I liked it! and are you still finding pickles??

Reply
Andrea
1/16/2014 07:40:12 am

:)

Reply
Leslie
1/20/2014 07:32:54 am

Caleb is destined for great things! Hmmm maybe a comedian or a priest or an artist. His talents AMAZE me constantly - never underestimate the possibilities :D

Reply



Leave a Reply.



    Welcome To
     Bushel &
    A Peck!

    Hi, I'm Amy-Lyn!

    Picture
    I am the lady behind this here blog! I live in the sticks with my animals, my super handsome husband, and my
    ​ 3 amazing kids! 
    Here you'll find things from recipes (gluten-free, paleo, and strait up junk food!), DIY ideas, thoughts on raising a son with autism, and whatever else pops into my brain! : )  

    Read more about me by clicking here!

    Want to Stay Connected?

    RSS Feed


    Subscribe to my mailing list!

    * indicates required

    Find What
    ​You're Looking For on the Site!



    Vitacost.com

     Most Popular Posts

    Meat & Potato Casserole
    Gluten-Free Meat & Potato Casserole
    Picture
    D.I.Y Tea Cup Bird Feeder
    Picture
    Mini Caprese Kabobs

    Featured in The Huffington Post

    Picture
    Paleo Double Chocolate Avocado Cookies

    Featured in Woman's Day

    Picture
    Chicken Bundles


    Categories

    All
    Antiques
    Autism
    Birthday
    Breakfast
    Chocolate
    Dessert
    Diy
    Family
    Five Minute Friday
    Giveaway!
    Gluten Free
    Health-fitness
    Lunch/Dinner
    Miscarriage
    Motivational Monday!
    Muffins
    My Thoughts...
    Nifty Ideas
    Paleo
    Primal
    Recipes
    Sandwiches
    Soup
    Tea Party


    Some of my favourite products! 


    Archives

    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013

    my foodgawker gallery
  • Blog
  • Health & Fitness
  • Artist Biography
  • Paintings
  • Photography
  • Drawings, etc.
  • About Me
  • Contact Me