02/06/2025
Someone I see regularly has a 4-year-old recently diagnosed with autism. It’s been humbling to become a source of reassurance and information for him as he navigates this new chapter. Just yesterday, he asked if Caleb ever stims, which made me smile because he definitely did in various ways—and still does, albeit more subtly now. We even had a good chuckle as I tried to demonstrate. 🤣 I was glad to reassure him that stimming is perfectly normal, and that the less attention it receives, the more comfortable his child will become in situations that trigger it.
Over the past seven years, I've learned so much, and the journey continues. I now feel confident in helping others navigate and advocate for their children, and it’s pure joy for me.
As cute as this shirt is I doubt I would have used it when his stemming was more obvious. We are happy to talk openly about Caleb’s autism when asked but it’s not in our nature to openly label him with objects to draw extra attention to him, or to excuse his behavior due to his disability. It is who he is and we support and accommodate accordingly. Aside from that, it’s no one’s business in public why another child behaves the way they do, or the way a parent reacts.
