Off The Leash

Jacob and Aaron, who are twins, were diagnosed as having Autism Disorder one week before their 3rd birthday. They exhibited most of the classic signs of autism ...... wouldn’t respond to their name, didn’t point, didn’t wave, no speech, in a world of their own, stimming (self stimulation), no sense of danger, so called tantrums all the time, very restricted diet, chronically bad sleepers, etc, etc.

Today, they are six years old and in their first year of mainstream school in separate mainstream classes. They are very lucky and we are extremely grateful that they have an ESO (Education Support Officer) each. So far, they have been attending school part-time, which is due to increase to full-time in the very near future.

Although there have been many, many challenges, they are making amazing progress and are really starting to feel that they are an important part of the school community. Their success is due to adopting a holistic approach to their care as well as the dedication of their support team, which includes our family, the teachers, the ESO’s, the entire school community, the therapists and the Catholic Education Office (South Australia).

I was in the school courtyard to pick the boys up from school at 1:30pm the other day when a year 7 girl told me that the boys were getting their bags to go home. I thought to myself how nice it was that the older students knew who the boys were and even who I was, and were mature enough to approach me to let me know what was happening.

Their ESO then told me how they had the best lunch time ever!! They spent the lunch break playing with a group of year 7 girls who were not only playing with them, but looking after their needs as well. This was just so heartening to hear and made me feel all emotional.

That same afternoon, I decided to take Jacob and Aaron to the Morialta Conservation Park to look at the gushing water as it ran down the stream from the waterfall up the hill. A very dear and special friend of mine suggested that I go have a look as it is at its most beautiful when it’s been raining and we have had a lot of rain over the past couple of weeks.

My friend was right, it was the most glorious scene and the boys thought so too. They were so excited to look at and hear the water in its most magnificent state and enjoyed walking across the two pedestrian bridges along the path. This is something they have never experienced before because until recently, it was not something we could ever safely do with them. Jacob and Aaron used to be runners and with two of them, it made for many extremely stressful outings. Regardless of this, we still tried to take them out as often as possible but we would choose the safest options for them.

The visit to Morialta Conservation Park was a magic milestone for both Jacob and Aaron because although I kept a watchful eye and sounded like a paranoid mother every time they were tempted to go closer to the edge of the water bank, they were essentially able to wonder freely. We always hoped they would be able to go on outings like this, but it never felt real until it became a reality.

Yesterday, Jacob and Aaron went on their very first school excursion to a local theatre to watch a play. When I arrived at the school before heading off with everyone, I got to witness just how much their social skills and interaction has come along. I was really taken back by this and was extremely proud and grateful. They play just like the other kids, who have been so wonderful to them both.

I think it is safe to say that they enjoyed the bus ride with their friends a lot more than the play, but that doesn’t matter! Aaron had to wear his ear muffs because of the noise and kept asking to go home, but by the time the first part of the play started, he was interested in what was taking place. Jacob is lucky as the noise doesn’t bother him so much and he sat on his chair like an angel. Half time and we left the theatre for the lobby. By that time, the boys had had enough. I wasn’t sad at all about this as the theatre was so hot and stuffy that I think out of all the parents, I got the best deal =). Autism can have its advantages!

We are so blessed that Jacob and Aaron have made so much progress. Their sister, Kristie, even feels it and put together a dedication video to them that can been seen at: My Autistic Brothers AMAZING Transformation! Kristie made this video without any help and surprised us with it when finished. As you can imagine, it turned us into embarrassing blubbering parents who couldn’t stop crying from the emotion of it all.

Jacob and Aaron have a long way to go and academically, they are way behind. But consider this..... When they were diagnosed at age 3, they weren’t given much chance of a normal life at all and successful mainstream education wasn’t something anyone considered achievable. We have already witnessed two little miracles who continue to inspire and amaze us each and every day. We love them and their sister so much.