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Health & Fitness

Russell and "The Nutcracker".....it's Autism Awarness Month

It's Autism Awareness Month and I was searching for a topic.....but my autistic son came up with one for me!

Russell and “The Nutcracker”……it’s Autism Awareness Month

Every April—National Autism Awareness Month—I try to come up with something that speaks of autism, and perhaps my son and music or the Arts and folks with disabilities.  It’s my own personal way of calling attention to this mysterious and often misunderstood disability and perhaps putting a face on it. This year, I’ve been struggling to come up with something before the end of the month since it’s been a rather rough month or two around here. And today Russell, my son with autism, in his absolutely amazing way, gave me a topic quite by accident.  Let me explain.

My husband broke his ankle on March 1, the only really icy day here in the beautiful south suburbs, on our driveway. He’s fine now and got his cast off Wednesday but it’s been tough.  I never truly realized how much Chuck did around here….until he didn’t.  My other kids have been rallying ‘round, taking out the garbage and the other household chores that I, delicate flower that I am, cannot do by myself.  It’s been especially hard on Russ—anything throwing off his regular routine and rituals is always tough for him.

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He was okay the first few days and maybe even the first week after Chuck broke his ankle, but then he fell into some of his nastier OCD habits and we had to use one of our behavior plans to get him back on track.  We also decided he needed to take regular walks again and Chuck would not be able to do it.  Ben stepped up and has been taking him when the weather holds.  We have been trying to stay as close to normal as possible with his life and with all of our lives and Greg has helped with some of those other aspects.  Russell’s better, as Chuck gets better and more back to his old self.

Today, Russ had his regular haircut with his Erin.  I told him this morning his Dad would pick him up when he was finished with work.  He grinned from ear to ear the whole rest of the day.  Chuck usually takes him for his haircut and then picks something up from the bakery next door for dessert for dinner.  Often, he gets Russ a cookie or a small treat when he does.  Russ loves that treat and loves Erin and Barb and having his haircut.  Last month’s haircut was a bit different since Chuck was still hopping on one foot and I had to take them….no treat and it wasn’t the same. But today, Russ knew his Dad would be taking him and knew he would get a treat and was happy…..happier than he’s been for a while.

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Doing my usual Friday afternoon chores, I went upstairs and noticed Russell’s bedroom door was shut and his favorite video of the ballet, “The Nutcracker,” was blasting. I opened the door a crack to see what was going on and Russell was DANCING!  He was moving his arms and spinning around and moving to the music with a big smile and a look of pure joy. He was dancing for joy!

We think those with disabilities don’t understand.  Don’t show true emotions.  Don’t have a greater concept of art or what it brings to the world, to them, to us.  But Russell was playing his favorite music— his grandfather was known for his performances of the Trepak by the way—and was dancing because he was happy. Things are getting back to normal in our household.  His Dad is getting better and is able to take him places he loves again.  He used music and dance to show his happiness, much like anyone else would.  And people with autism are just like anyone else.  And we shouldn’t just be aware of it in April.

 

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