Thomas the Train and Autism.

Thomas the Train

George Carlin. That’s what comes to mind when I think of Thomas the Train.

The man who first listed the “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television” in a 1972 monologue.

Oh my, how far we have come.

Between George, Alec Baldwin and Ringo Starr, Thomas the Tank Engine is quite a celebrity for his voice overs but to a 9-year-old Thomas is so much more.

Being married to Kim Basinger – Doesn’t matter.

A Beatles Member – Beatle who?

$580 Million sale to Mattel – Who cares.

Thomas is just magic. Pure and Simple.

When my son first started watching Thomas I thought it was like any other children’s show. One which would run its course and disappear a few months later. Oh, how I was wrong.

The little engine is part of my life more than I could ever imagined. A Day out with Thomas has nothing on what we do all year long.

Thomas is the king and you know what – he deserves to be king. In an age where video games often involve destroying something (or someone) and YouTube videos quickly spew many of those seven words George Carlin spoke about, Thomas is a pleasure.

So are Birdy, James, Harold, Sir Top Em Hat and the rest of Sodor Island.

Why this fascination I will never know.

But it could be worse. Much much worse.

My only complaint.

At some point I have to explain the Island of Sodor is not real. Maybe I’ll do the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and Thomas all on the same day.

or maybe I’ll leave that for Mommy.

 

Photo credit to Ron Ellis / Shutterstock.com

Ausome™ Teachers Make a Difference.

High Five

Teachers.

The most underpaid professionals on earth.

With all respect to other professions, a good teacher is worth 10x any salary approved by the school board. Why, because let’s be real.

  • Teachers teach your child how to write.
  • Teachers teach your child how to read.
  • Teachers teach your child how to socialize.
  • Teachers teach your child when to ask to go the bathroom.
  • Teachers teach your child how to draw.
  • Teachers teach your child how to practically do everything from Kindergarten onwards.

Yes, I know some parents are rolling their eyes and saying no way but again, let’s be real. Teachers have your children typically 30+ hours a week. By the time your child comes home its an hour of fun, some food time, a nap and a bath.

Of course, there are many things teachers can’t do but think about it? Who really has that many responsibilities for your child other than you?

Teachers do. That’s who.

The problem is there are not enough great teachers.

Lots of good ones, and sadly lots of bad ones, but when you find an Ausome™ teacher its like winning the lottery. They are amazing, they change worlds, they create dreams, they inspire and they provide hope.

As a parent you must do everything you can to find awesome teachers.

When we found the perfect teacher — found is a strong word, we got lucky — everything became easier and our son became happier.

For those awesome teachers out there I just wanted to say thank you.

The world needs you more than you can ever imagine.

Am I Going Crazy.

Child screaming

Crazy. This word has a whole new meaning when you are a special needs parent.

First of all, crazy is a bad word. Crazy is not crazy, crazy just means you are normal.

Adjusting to autismhood is so very different than typical parenthood.

  • No one grows up dreaming to be a special needs parent.
  • No one grows up dreaming to be a caretaker for their children.
  • No one grows up dreaming about children who are non-verbal.

So what happens when the dream of a typical child is crushed overnight?

It can feel like all kinds of crazy is happening but trust me, you are not crazy. You are just adjusting to a different reality, and it takes time to adjust.

  • Some of it is shock.
  • Some of it is heartbreak.
  • Some of it is fear.
  • Some of it is love.

List every emotion you know. Those are the emotions you will feel all at once upon diagnosis. This is not a bad thing – it is just a hard thing.

For everyone it is different. Some can’t handle it while others excel.

I have seen the best parents become bad people with typical children, and the worst people become amazing parents with special needs children.

At the end of the day you are still a parent. A parent with a little more responsibility now.

Our ability to change and embrace challenge is what makes humanity so incredibly special.

You are not crazy.

You are simply a parent.