My Autism Insights

Gus is just getting over a weekend-long bout of strep throat, which his sister has conveniently contracted (luckily before our vacation).  As much as it has been a miserable experience for both of them, it’s also provided for some teachable moments.  For a child who needs to learn as much about social cues and consideration for others, I take what I can get.

One of Gus’s greatest strengths is his memory.  He has been known to remember a person he met only once without any hesitation.  The same went for his recent illness.  He remembered every icky sensation, wanting complete silence, not being able to move a muscle.  So when he was feeling better and his sister was in the same boat, it was very easy to teach a bit of consideration and compassion.

He wanted to play and M was lying listless on the couch.  This was almost an exact replica of two days ago.  (Except instead of shoving a toy in Gus’s face, she dove on top of him; I was hurting just watching it.)  Instead of just telling him to stop because his sister wasn’t feeling well, I took it a step further.

“Remember the other day when M was trying to play with you and you just wanted to rest?”  He remembered and backed off.  I gave him similar reminders about making noise while she was trying to sleep and about making a mess in her room that she wouldn’t have the energy to clean up. 

I think he got the messages.  Much of the day he played away from her and he seemed to be making a real effort to give her space.  It’s not that Gus has no inborn empathy, he just doesn’t always notice what’s going on around him.  Hopefully, when I come down with the bug making its rounds through my home (before vacation would be nice), the lesson will carry over and he’ll actually allow me a few moments of quiet.

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