Relationships.

It's funny how autistic kids have such different relationships with people. I guess it's pretty much the same as NT (Neuro-typical) kids. The more they see a certain person, the more they talk to and relate to them.

The bond I have with Jacob is crazy. When we got the Autism diagnosis, the first thing that crossed my mind was, "He'll never want me to hug him". That's the only experience I had had with autistic kids. Jacob is probably one of the most affectionate little boys I've ever seen. He loves to have his back rubbed, hugs, kisses, being picked up and snuggled.....and I love it. Sometimes I'll sit next to him on the couch, and he'll say, "Can you move, Mom? I need my space." Other times, it's like trying to pry an octopus off of my body!!


His dad. Personally, I think some dads don't know how to relate to a kid with special needs, even their own. Jacob's dad gets very impatient, very fast when it comes to Jacob's 'stims' and such. It's frustrating for me to watch, especially when I just want to take over and calm him myself. (Jacob, not dad) They don't do anything together, and I'm at a loss as to what I can do to fix that. Probably nothing.


Siblings....lets' just say he 'gets along' with Nicholas, but there isn't a lot of interaction. They share a room, so when Jacob gets into Nick's Legos, it's like World War 3. He ADORES Emily though. Most of the time she's really good with him. She'll get him a snack, play games with him, etc. I'm glad. She'll make a good mom someday.


Grandparents. The ex-inlaws don't have much to do with my kids, so I imagine when Jacob is around them, he doesn't really have to do with them either. My parents don't see him often, and depending on what's around at the time, he may be too distracted to interact with them either! Sometimes he does ask if Grandma and Wayne can come over, or go to the mall with us ;-)


Cousins. He has three, (okay, four, but he doesn't see the one on his dad's side of the family ever) and likes to play with them, or around them I guess. They certainly love him though! I love hearing Scooter say, "Tina, who likes this?" as he's holding up something from Cars. He's a cutie. He also loves my brother and his wife. He's always asking to go to Jerrod and Lindsey's. Sometimes he leaves out Jerrod though ;-) He likes Lindsey, that's for sure!


My friends. He'll say hi to Amy and Rachel when they come over, but that's about it. He did inform Amy that "we do not say the word stupid, Amy." Ha. Rachel left one day he was sad about it. Maybe he just gets tired of me and wants new faces!!


I guess I can't really sum up what I'm trying to say very well. He doesn't really pay attention to most people, and most people in turn don't pay attention to him. At church he's just kind of "there".


My recent acquisition is a tattoo that I hope speaks volumes. I didn't imagine it to be as big as it is, but I love it.