Um....Not Quite.

Mariokart's Coconut Mall

Whoever invented YouTube is a genius.  Aiden has quite the pile of "Favorites" built up for himself.  Whatever his latest interest is, he is able to satisfy his need through the seemless endless topics available for his viewing pleasure.

One thing he loves to watch is videos of people playing Mariokart.  I think he'd rather watch people play the game on YouTube than play it himself!  But, through the power of YouTube, he has discovered videos of people who have hacked the games, who have found ways to explore parts of the race tracks that we aren't meant to access.  For Aiden, this is inexplicably exciting.

Now, not to make a generalization, but I've heard other parents say the same things about their children on the autism spectrum... like my boy, they prefer to explore the worlds of video games than to play them in their intended ways.  Aiden could care less about winning first place in a race on Mariokart, he just enjoys looking around, seeing where he can get, that kind of stuff.  He draws countless pictures of the worlds depicted there, with stunning detail, because that's how he enjoys the game.

So, he is quite interested in how these online hackers are able to get all of those cool places.  Neither hubby nor I could ever be confused for computer game enthusiasts, and certainly not experts.  We are both able to use techology in general to meet our needs, but the inner workings of it remain  both mysterious and magical.  You can imagine the dissapointment our lack of knowledge brings to our six year old.  He wants us to find a "computering person" to help him with his quest. 

Upon harrassment to help him explore the off-track locations in places like Toad's Factory and Coconut Mall, we patiently explained to him that you need to be able "to write code" to hack these games.

He went off on his own for a while... then returned proudly holding up a sheet of paper. 
"Mommy, Daddy, I wrote code! "



So you did baby, so you did.

What You Might Not Know

I'd be lying if I said I've got it easy.
When even a simple trip to Walmart takes planning, and a dose of courage.

I'd be lying if I said that although homeschooling is the best possible choice for us, that it's easy.
It is a ton of work, a ton of planning, a rather mighty big project overall, home educating your child.

I'd be lying if I said that it doesn't smart to have three university degrees,  and no career.
When you spot me at the grocery store in sweat pants, possibly pulling my child away from the grimy cleaning cart, "highly educated" probably isn't the adjective that jumps into your head.

But, you might not know that although parenting a child with special needs was never planned, it is an unimaginable priveledge.  A daily reminder of keeping perspective, appreciating your gifts and loving to the hilt.  You might be surprised to know that even though my child may require a lot of extra work, that it is worth it. I would'nt trade one day with him for anything.

You might be surprised to know that I do not wish him any other way.  That the sight of your typical child stirs up no jealousy in me.  Of course I do not wish him challenges or a life filled with obstacles, but he is who he is, and I am wouldn't trade him for the world.  That I'm not looking for miracle cures, just support and acceptance.

You might not know that being responsible for our boy makes me feel special too.