After years of struggling with family birthday parties, Cole had made some great progress in the past year or so. He seemed to tolerate going to parties and everything that goes along with them.
We got an invitation to his cousin, Max's, party a few weeks ago. Cole usually loves their house. They have a great backyard with lots of room to run around. And they have lots of cool toys in the basement. Max's party was last Friday night. Cole had therapy until 5pm, so we had him transported right to Max's house. I sent a detailed picture schedule with him to therapy that day, which showed everything that would happen. I emphasized there would be no dog at their house. Last time we were there, they were dog-sitting and Cole was petrified. The staff at MAC took Cole through the schedule several times throughout the day.
Shortly after 6pm, Cole arrived. He walked up to the house, but refused to come in. He said he wanted to go home with Pat, Connor and I. We all took turns trying to gently persuade him to come inside. He was fighting back tears and filling with anxiety. A few minutes later, Cole came inside and I was able to give him a piece of cheese. He still was insisting on going home. And then he smacked me. He hit me three times and he got three stand up, sit downs. Cole cooperated, but started to cry and then crumbled up the cheese in his hands. It went all over the floor. As I was leaning over to pick up the cheese, Cole kicked their wall and put a hole right in the sheetrock. We grabbed Cole and instantly had to leave. Luckily Connor was able to stay for the party. Pat's parents volunteered to bring him home afterward.
We could not believe Cole kicked their wall. Even though he does this stuff at home, in eight years he has never exhibited this behavior at someone else's home. We were sad, devastated and embarrassed. This happened in front of everyone. Usually we're able to calm Cole and get him to stay at a party or event. Not this time, and with terrible consequences. I could not help but break down. Sometimes life with Autism is too hard, and too unfair.
Once we got Cole home he was perfectly fine. He played on the computer, ate dinner and drew pictures on his white board. For Pat and I, it was a depressing night. One that was hard to bounce back from. Times like this have a way of taking the wind from your sails.
The rest of the weekend went well. Cole had a fun Saturday with his PCA and then he spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa Cooney's house. He and Connor had a great time and they got a surprise visit from Tara and her family. Elle even ended up spending the night, too! Pat and I got a chance to look for new furniture and enjoy dinner together. We both got a full night of sleep and that was wonderful!
We spent Sunday raking leaves and playing in the yard. Cole loved playing with his new John Deere wheel barrow. He went on bike rides with Pat and we built a bonfire. Cole also amazed us with his drawing capabilities. He loves to draw on his white board and his pictures are getting much for detailed. The one I'm showing here is Pat driving his boat. Cole wrote Dad and Minnesota all by himself. He also illustrated fish and turtles in the water, along with the boat motor and lines to show the boat moving fast. Connor also worked on his art project for the Riverview School Art Fair. He did an amazing job!
Saturday was the two month anniversary of Cole wearing underwear! Way to go Cole, we are so proud of you.
No comments:
Post a Comment