WELCOME TO JIM'S AUTISM BLOG





Hi everyone and thanks for visiting our blog. My wife and I created this blog to chronicle our experience while raising a son with Asperger's syndrome. Since our son was diagnosed with an ASD at age 5, we've had a lot of questions. Lucky for us we have a great support network in place. And our blog gives us an opportunity to share what we've learned with our readers. We hope you find our blog informative and interesting. Thanks again for visiting.


"It seems that for success in science and art, a dash of autism is essential." Dr Hans Asperger 1906-1980



Tuesday 29 May 2012

JACOB'S RESPONSE TO MY HOSPITAL VISIT

So, during my visit to the hospital yesterday, Jacob stayed home from school so that Shannie could stay with me in the ER.  And of course, Jacob was very upset.  Yesterday afternoon he kept asking for me to come home and he was so distraught, that my wife's sister, who was watching Jacob, had to call my brother for assistance because he just wouldn't come down from the emotional high.  Jacob's emotional state was understandable given the circumstances.


Last night as Shannie and I were watching TV in bed, we both thought that Jacob would have a rough day today because he wasn't able to vent enough of his emotions yesterday.  But of course, we stayed positive as many parents like us do.  Then today at 11AM, we got a call from the school.  It was the principal, which is different because it's usually the learning resource teacher that calls.  The principal asked me to come pick up Jacob because he was very upset.  The school principal also asked if we'd be willing to keep Jacob home for the afternoon today, which we all felt was a good idea.

While on the way home, I asked Jacob point blank if he was sad because I was in the hospital the day before.  That question immediately caused Jacob to cry and begin yelling at me to stop talking.  Oh my poor son.  He has such a hard time regulating his emotions, especially when there's something wrong with one of us.  Parents are seen by their children as indestructible, which of course we're not, but it seems that Jacob had a hard time understanding that I get ill sometimes too.

Then to top it all off, as I entered the school it was very warm inside.  The principal told me that the school's air conditioning was down and that a repair team was going to fix it this afternoon.  Jacob was very warm as a result of the broken AC and the sad/explosive behaviour that he was showing.

So I got Jacob home, gave him a cold drink of apple juice and told him to just relax on the couch.  And now he's much cooler and more calm.  My son's class was also going to the church for mass and Jacob doesn't sit and listen for long periods well.

With all that in mind, hopefully Jacob will have a better day tomorrow.  The weather forecast for tomorrow is also about 10°C cooler than the past couple of days.  Which should help Jacob remain calm, or at least, help him cool down if he gets "hot". 

What can you do when your child senses that somethings wrong with their dad?  Especially when I'm one of the few people who actually understand what Jacob is thinking?  Either way, I'm glad to be home and now I get to spend the afternoon with my son, which is a nice reward for me.

5 comments:

  1. parents' illnesses are tough for any kid, but especially our kids.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It can make it harder sometimes. I feel pressure when it comes to my health because parents are expected to be invincible. But we're only people too. And you're right. Kids like ours are much more dependant on us than regular kids.

      Delete
  2. You know, I find some of what you posted to be great news--wait, now hear me out---he was reacting to your illness and showing emotion---that is good stuff! I think you just spending time with him will help him a lot and will reassure him that things are OK.

    I'm glad everything is OK.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Liz. We're all glad that I'm okay. It was likely just over reaction on my part, but it's better safe than sorry. And you're right. In hindsight it's good that Jacob showed some emotion, it just sucks that it had to be an extreme situation that brought it out.

      Delete
  3. thanks for commenting and I'm glad you enjoyed reading my post.

    ReplyDelete