Last night my 4-year-old son rode a bike. It probably doesn't
sound like a huge accomplishment to most parents, but it was a
pretty special moment for us.
This time last year my son wouldn't touch a bike. He hated all
moving things - swings, tricycles, scooters, wagons, etc. We just
thought he was scared, but it turns out most kids with Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have balance problems resulting in motion
aversions. It doesn't feel right and they don't fully
understand what's happening. Our OT therapist explained it to
us as an uncomfortable feeling - like an itch you can't
scratch. ASD kids also have trouble with activities that require
sequencing of little events like getting dressed, potty training or
riding a bike.
My husband got home from work early yesterday, so we took the
kiddos for a stroll. And a certain someone got to ride his bike. He
can pedal and steer and stays on the road, although he thinks
off-roading is much more fun. Watching him ride his shiny red
Lightening McQueen bike (with training wheels that look like tires)
and even steer it without any help, was kind of like watching
autism pedal out of our lives.
Sure, he needed help from his daddy along the way when he would
start going fast downhill and couldn't quite figure out the
brakes. From my perspective, he was just a normal kid riding his
bike and were just a normal family enjoying a beautiful evening.
These are the small triumphs that give us hope. We look forward to
many more.
Read more at MommyQ blog.
User post: Autism Rides Off Into The Sunset
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Comments 1-6 of 6
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Posted by Wed Feb 18, 2009 6:22pm PST
Report AbuseSmile!
Keep that memory for when the "two steps back" occur... My son (who is on the spectrum) is 7 and put me through the ringer today, so I know how valuable remembering the achievements can be.
:)
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Posted by Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:07am PST
Report AbuseThat is wonderful. My son will be 5 in July and he has pdd-nos. He still want ride his bike. He will ride his moster truck power wheel though but he want steer it he just like to mash the gas. LOL!! Most people don't realize just how special autistic children are. I feel like god sent me my angel so I would be able to enjoy all the wonderful moments. I have two older children and there are parts of their childhood I don't remember. But with Cam it's different I work so hard to get him to do something new and when it finally happens it's a moment I could never forget. Good luck to you and your son. If you would like to chat sometime you can email me at tshelley1@ymail.com
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Posted by Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:32am PST
Report AbuseThat's great! Any accomplishment is good news! Coming from a fellow parent, look forward to many more in the future.
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Posted by Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:19pm PST
Report Abusei have a brother with autism he is 16 now but watching him growing up and doing things for the first time was better and breathless and watching him getting big and better with everything he does it so amazing at first i was so scared for him cause no one understood and so they took advantage of him but this is the the begging of a great future best of luck to you and your son:)
Comments 1-6 of 6
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