realise what is truly important.

A.J. in his favourite place, his room, 

and the computer on his desk.

Each and every day we take simple steps in the hopes of doing the right thing for our little ones, and in our case the not so little one. We become more and more concerned regarding their daily struggles, and while we may not always be able to physically help out with everything, we can still work on finding ways to minimise their stress and anxiety in any way with what we can do.

With our holidays still in full swing we arranged for A.J. to gain a couple of days away with his Aunty and Uncle, giving us a break to get some work done without worrying about what he's up to, although really to give A.J. a chance for a relaxing break and get up to some silliness with his Uncle.

After returning home he was in such a great mood I took advantage to gain some help with additional chores while we cleared out the shed of 30 years worth of clutter ready for a dump-run.

A.J. happily helped out while chatting to us about anything and everything, gabbling with his gibberish, then all of a sudden he came up to me as serious as can be, looking me straight in the eye, stating- ...…....."Nan, my bedroom is very boring! …......I think I need a puppy"

Well I suppose that was the not-so-subtle way of saying he's ready for a new doggie friend.

While us adults are still coping with the loss of our beloved "Tess", after being blessed with sharing over 15 years of her lovely temperament and antics, I hesitate knowing it is still really hard to think about taking the plunge again; even after seeing some of the adorable puppies on the sale sites.

While A.J. is still in full conversation mode and continuing with his chatty mood he blurts out yet another question - 
A.J. - do you do “incotable?” 
Me - ?????? Huhhh?????
A.J. - “incoctable”
Me – I'm sorry hunny I'm not really sure what you mean.
A.J. - you know using the words that no-one believes
Me – ohh ok; lets check it out
We sit down and begin looking through the on-line dictionary, finding the word “INCOGITABLE”
-meaning- impossible to accept or believe, unthinkable, inconceivable, unthinking.
A.J. - see...... I like to use those words.
I also look up '50 sophisticated words' on google and I found words to make me sound sophisticated.
So I find ways to use them when I talk to people.
Me - I’m very proud of you
A.J. - why???
Me – for learning new words.
Now you just have to be sure you understand the meaning and be sure it fits the conversation you're having.
A.J. - ….......ohh................... (blank expression).....

Precious.......

…....and that right there shows a lot about our little one's.

They are so blunt, regardless of what they truly understand, they take what they see and roll with it. Refreshing really, to see their trueness, something so many others struggle to portray.

I would take a million truly spoken autistics to one fake neurotypical any-day.

Plodding along we face the good and bad, we accept that there will be struggles, but we make the most of the joys and triumphs, highlighting those special moments that can make it all so worthwhile.

Never let a day go by without telling the ones you love how special they are, and as dorky as it may seem hugg them tight and spend 'quality' time together, playing games, teaching and learning new experiences. All the special things that visually and physically show them what life is really supposed to be about.

From the time I stopped worrying about what others thought or trying to do what others 'expected' to please those that believe they know best, from the time I stood up for what was in the best interest of A.J. stating I won't take anything less; that was when I realised I had been causing more anxiety for myself as much as sending mixed messages to A.J. as well; we all need to assess our own personal journey to truly find a more calm and peaceful balance, something every family unit deserves.