Many kids with autism struggle when their routines are disrupted and that is certainly true with Kai. On Friday, kids got to wear their Halloween costumes to school and the class schedule was modified to accommodate a parade and other special events.
When my wife got to school for the parade, she did not see Kai in the school's weekly community meeting. It was a sure sign that there had been trouble. Kai's school therapist told her that he had had two incidents that day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The latter one was especially severe and he was still calming down afterward.
But when it was time for the parade, he had pulled himself together enough to march with the rest of the students and collect his treats.
After school, he made two rounds of trick or treating around different parts of the neighborhood.
Kai's costume this year was a Storm Trooper from the Star Wars films. He didn't want to wear his mask as it was uncomfortable and he couldn't see well with it on.
When I got home from work shortly before the 7PM cutoff, he wanted to go out with me one more time. He didn't want to go to get more candy; he doesn't eat most of it anyway. And as it was still cold and snowy it wasn't a pleasant evening weatherwise.
But he wanted to uphold the tradition of going trick or treating with Dad. So, I grabbed the dog, a lantern, and we made one last short round.
And that was very sweet.
One of the great moments of fatherhood...when your child makes plans to spend time with you. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is when you know you are doing something right.
It's nice that he wants to spend time with me. I hope that never changes.
DeleteWhat a fun tradition! We've outgrown our kids going out...make the memories while you can!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm not sure how many more years we will do this. I have a feeling that Kai will want to keep going but I'm not a big fan of older kids going trick or treating. I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
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