Hug-Kiss Connection

Dublin is a very affectionate, loving, kissing little dude. In fact, if you have ever played with, taught, or nurtured him in any way, he will kiss you and hug you until you physically peel him off of you and distract him with another item he fancies. He will pinch your cheeks. He will sing to and dance for you. He will grab your hands and say "this way" and bring you with him to be with him. He will not likely engage in a dialogue with you, but he is very happy you are there with him. This is what I wish the world knew about Dublin and autism for that matter. My hubby, daughter, and I watch people come in and out of our house, their gaze uncertain about Dublin, his "disability," how to interact with him, his "it." The assumption that he wants to be alone because he doesn't know how to interact is disturbing and painful to watch. The way people step back, hesitate to be with, to fight through their own adult insecurities to connect with my almost 7 year old has broke my heart into tenths, even hundredths.

This actually happens a lot.

The broken heart part.

Fortunately, I have the following people that daily give me the thread to sew it back together.

I can not thank his teacher Caitlyn Atencio, his speech therapist Monica Garcia, his occupational therapist Melanie Bruss, his ABA Case Manager Janine Delphino, his ABA Interventionist Cassidy Feder, his music therapist Lety Castillo, and his tata Sergio Sr. Ochoa for being the people that establish and continue to maintain the hug-kiss connection with Dublin!!!

You make his life!!!

You make my life!!!

You are beautiful threads!!!