FRENCH FRIES WITH A SIDE OF ASPERGER'S

In our last post, we talked about a weekend visit to the art gallery as a reward for a good week at school.  We decided against the opening weekend visit however, but we did go to the mall so Jacob could have some french fries from Burger King and a drink from Taco Bell.  The weather wasn't the greatest as we walked down town.  It was cold and the snow was blowing right in our faces.  But we made it, it just took a little longer than normal.  As Jacob sat eating his fries, mom and I noticed that there was an onion ring mixed in with his fries.  We both just sat and watched as Jacob picked up the onion ring.  "Look at this fry mom."  Jacob said, not realising it's true identity.  Then he bit the onion ring.  He gave it a couple chews, but after he realised it wasn't a french fry, Jacob looked like he was going to be sick.  Instinctively, mom's hand went towards Jacob's mouth just in time as he spat the chewed onion ring into a napkin.   What a laugh it was seeing Jacob unwittingly eating his first onion ring.  He even tried to blame the girl at Burger King for putting it in with his fries on purpose.

Now onto Taco Bell.  Mom was nice and let him pick what he wanted to drink.  "I want root beer."  He said.  Mom and I were surprised and I think we knew he'd change his mind.  He'd normally choose ice tea or Pepsi, but we decided to just see what happens.  After the onion ring experience, Jacob needed a drink to cleanse his palette.  So he took a drink of the root beer, gave a strange look.  Took another drink, gave another strange look.  Then he took a third drink, looked around, and spit the remainder of the root beer, into his hand.  We were just laughing when we saw what he did.  Jacob has no reservations when it comes to sharing his dislike of something.  I guess that's one positive thing about Asperger's.  Jacob is bluntly honest.

So now we're heading back through the mall to go home.  As we walked, Jacob was talking non stop.  He loves to talk about random things, only taking a break to say "Hi" to strangers we passed.  He must have talked to five complete strangers during our walk.  Once we got outside, the weather had turned for the worse.  It was snowing heavily this time, as we walked home.  Why is it, that no matter which way you walk, the snow is always blowing in your face?  It wasn't too bad though.  It was funny to see how much snow had built up on our hats and hoods.  Jacob also enjoyed trying to catch snow flakes on his tongue.  The hard part for Jacob is closing his eyes as he does it.  "The snow hurts."  He said.  Again, mom and I chuckled.  It doesn't matter where we go, or what we do, Jacob is a great source of humour.

It was a wonderful afternoon today.  It was just the three of us and we all had a great time during our walk.  What's the one thing we, as parents, have learned about Asperger's?  Asperger's can make even the simplest task exciting and interesting.  Had we left Jacob at home and gone for a walk without him, we'd have missed a great adventure.  But I think next time, it'll be just the two of us.

 Jacob's new favourite food.