My Buddy C

Sometimes people will say to me, “How do you know what Michael is thinking if he has trouble communicating?” 

A True Struggle

On the one hand, this is a constant struggle for me. I wish I knew, in more detail, how he was feeling, both physically and emotionally. I worry that his needs will not be met if he cannot express himself. Most crucially, I get concerned when medical issues come up because he cannot explain his experience in any detail to us or his doctors. Even in less serious situations, I wish he could let me know little things that might be bothering him so that I could address them. We work on communication constantly.

We also use trial and error to see if a solution we come up with might work to make him feel more comfortable, or at ease. If it doesn’t work, we try something else. It is a constant hypothesize, test, and analyze the results situation. Although our Fifth Grade science teachers would be proud, it is a frustrating and time consuming way to figure out good family solutions.

Other times, like this day with his buddy C, I had no doubt! Mikey’s face would light up at the mention of his name and the two of them always had a good time together, no words needed. They would almost always choose to watch Special Agent Oso together, hence the sticker theme for today’s journal entry.  Michael’s simple words, phrases or even facial expressions could (and can) speak a thousand words. He loved spending time with his buddy C and their favorite unique stuffed bear! That’s a Special Agent Oso reference, in case you’re not up on that sort of thing.

No Doubt What’s on his Mind!

Usually, Michael loves the predictability of his packaged snack foods, and usually it is things I have cooked for him (with varied textures, flavors and looks) that bother him. In his most expressive moments, when Michael dislikes a food he has been given, he hands it back to the person and says clearly, “garbage.” Cue the mom eye-roll…I will work on the manners associated with this choice, but you can’t miss his message. As for the cook here at the Mauro residence, I’ll try not to take offense. LOL