I go to mass every Sunday morning at 11am with my dad and sister. My husband and son used to come too. It was fine when our son was younger, he used to run down the side and it was ok, it’s a family mass so there are lots of kids. As he got bigger, we couldn’t get him to sit down as he was so used to running down the side, we decided it would be best if he stayed home.
We took him to mass on Christmas morning. I was armed with Percy pig sweets and juice and books to keep him busy sitting, but he was so engrossed in watching the choir and listening to the priest, that we didn’t need these. He sat at the front to see everything, and so many people commented afterwards on how lovely it was to see him and how well he done at mass.
It’s the same people at mass each Sunday sitting in the same seat, which always amuses me. I have been talked into doing the collection each week, so everyone smiles at me and a few extra people chat a bit more after mass.
Yesterday after mass, a woman who I see every week with her husband, daughter and granddaughter, came up to me and asked how my son was doing, asking how old he was now. I said he was great, now 6 and a half, how did that happen?! She brought her daughter in on the conversation. She said remember my son was the wee boy who ran up and down the side. I said that’s all he wants to do, we struggle to get him to sit for long periods. Then I said it – he has been diagnosed with autism. Even as the words were coming out my mouth I had so much fear saying them, and couldn’t believe I was actually saying them. I drove home almost in tears, so much emotion going through me. Almost 2 and a half years after diagnosis and I finally said the words. My doctor will be proud of me!
Super Autism Mum 