As some of you may know, I am single mother of two children with autism. I live and breath autism. I spend any spare time I have speaking with other parents in finding ways to care for our children. Today, I received an email from another mother that really touched my heart. Her son, James, had his first day at football practice.
But first, I want to tell you more about James.
Hello, my name is James and I will be 17 years old next week. I came to live with my parents when I was three and they adopted me. Boy they got more than they bargained for! I am diagnosed with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Mental retardation (overall development of a 6-7 yr old), an unknown slow Bowel Disorder, and ADHD. Oh ya and also what my parents lovingly call ETH (explosive teenage hormones).
Well, when I woke up this morning, I found this email form James's mother in my email inbox. This is a must read.
Well today was James's first day with the football team. Practice started at three but we did not arrive until four. This gave the coach time to tell the team about James.
James was so excited until he got out of the van. Anxiety set in fast. We took our time walking over to the practice field. James would stop and grab my arm so hard I thought for sure I would have bruises. We gave him his time to adjust and he would start to walk again. Than stop again. We finally were in front of the field, but up against the school building.
We sat there for about ten minutes when one of the assistance coaches came over and introduced himself and invited James to join the team on the side line. James said "No thanks, not now" I explained to the coach it may take a few trips just watching the guys before James would feel safe be next to the team, He said no problem.
For those not familiar with autism, many ASD people also suffer from anxiety and it is very difficult for them to change their routines. This was especially difficult because meeting new people (especially alot of them at once can produce sensory overload.
About 5 minutes later the whole team lined up and walked over to James. They all said "Hi James, welcome to the team'" and then a couple off them introduced themselves. I explained to them that the autism makes social situations hard for James to read, but once he was used to coming here and seeing you all he will have an easier time. The quarter back told James you take all the time you want buddy, we will be here everyday looking for. They then went back to the field. James continued to watch then and look for bugs.
Shortly the head coach yells over "Hey James, you want to get the water turned on for the guys?" James loves feeling like he is helping and loves playing in water more. He walked over to the watering line and turned it on, and stood back a litle bit. The team then walked over, drank and wet their heads. James found this very funny. He turned it back off and this time wanted to stand closer to the line. We sat there watching the guys. When the next water break came coach asked him again to get the water ready and James gets right up and starts the water. This time though he puts his hand out to a couple of the guys and gave them high fives.
Practice was almost over and James was standing on the sideline with the other boys! It was time to go and he waited for the coach to come over and told the coach "see you next Wednesday" The coach asked if he would be back next Thrusday and James said "you are stuck with me" LOL.
Overall it was a pretty good 1st day. He has agreed that I can pick him up at school so he could be here when the guys arrive. The 1st home game next Friday, don't know if James will feel ready to be on the side line for that game. We are going to let us know when he feels okay for this.
Boy overall I think it was a really cool day and he enjoyed it.
I nearly cried my heart out when I read this. I am so happy for James and his mother, Becky. I also want to let all of you know that she is also trying to raise money for an assistance dog for James. James has multiple difficulties with seizures and he is also what we call a "runner". Like my son, many ASD children love to just run out of the house and they have no sense of danger. His new assistance dog will help in making sure that James is safe if he does manage to escape his house. This is a major worry for most ASD parents because some of these children seek out dangerous places like lakes and streams. One ASD boy was found dead in a creek last month. I have an idea of what James's mother goes through because I had to call the police three times in a two month period because my eight year old son had escaped. So.... if you can, please stop by James's webpage and either give a small contribution for an assistance dog for him or at least post a comment on the website and wish the family well. James really enjoys reading the comments. He is really a special kid with special parents.