Autism

When I finished University, I thought I would end up working with Young Offenders, they were the population I thought I could make a difference with.  That wasn't to be the case.  I accidently fell into the world of Autism and never looked back.  When I got my first full time job working with kids severely affected by autism, people thought I was either crazy or had the patience of a saint.  It was neither, it was about working with a population that others had given up on where I saw their potential.  These kids had skills, they had emotions, they had humour.....they were like other kids except they learned differently.  My first shift at TRC I met a boy....this boy had severe behavioural concerns and had the potential to harm staff.  I was assigned to him.....I was terrified to say the least.....by the end of my shift, I was smitten.....Here was a 9 year old, who was mischievous, silly though couldn't express himself....I volunteered to work with him every shift he was in for the summer.  That September I was offered a position in one of our classrooms.  To my wonderful surprise, he was a student in it....we just clicked....he was wonderful even with all the aggressions.  I was in that classroom for almost four years before being promoted to supervisor of a high school classroom and then leaving for my current position.....I hadn't seen him in three years when one day I bumped into him at a Pizza Pizza.....he remembered me....my heart soared...it was because of him that I decided to stay in the field of Autism.  Fast forward a few more years and his mom contacted me.  Tonight, after a few years, I brought my son to meet this 22 year old that stole my heart all those years ago.  And when he saw me, his eyes lit up.....The three of us played cars, basketball, on the plasma car and went for a walk.  It was the best three and half hours I've had in a long time.  Adrien was drawn to him and he was so gentle and caring towards Adrien, they became fast friends.  When it was time to leave, both boys protested but after hugs and promises to see each other regularly we were off.  Adrien talked about him the whole way home, about how much fun they had, how silly he is and that Adrien wants to play with him again.  It almost feels like I've come full circle with this family......what a wonderful night!