So maybe not all of society but we are starting with those around us. It is tough for you when we are public sometimes. Anxiety takes over, you become overwhelmed, and you know something is different with you. You are aware enough to know that using a device is different, that you do not have all the skills other little boys your age do, and that as hard as you try, you will not be accepted by everyone. I try to keep everything consistent though. You have the same expectations in public as you do when we are at home and you and I work very hard together to slow down and allow you to experience what is going on around on. With this, we are not only continuing to shape the little man you are becoming but we are also shaping the lives of those around us and allowing them to experience a whole other world to what many of them are accustomed to.
Because you and I as a family have "adopted" Kenny, the speaking voice on your device, as your voice it is just a part of our day and I often do not think twice about it when we are public. I find opportunities for us to practice with it but when we are just walking around a mall, at a park, or you are beat boxing away while carrying it, I forget that it stands out and draws the attention of others. You however though do not miss a single glance at it, especially from other children. You become very possessive and your anxiety goes through the roof if you feel they will take it. You hold it close, say "no" and retreat away. It has taken a lot of work for you to trust that no one will take it away from you and that it is "yours" and they are your words that no one can take. I try to find different ways to explain to other children that the device is not a toy and you use it to talk but it is actually more confusing to explain it to adults. With this though, people are starting to understand. People in our community are becoming more accepting, they are becoming patient when you need time to navigate the device, and they are understanding when you just can't find the right word.
This weekend when we were at the pool a group of children were very persistent at getting you to play with them. They needed a fourth for their game. I was watching from afar, as I think it is vital you start to experience life without me standing by your side, and one of the boys looked at me and asked "can he talk to me." I simply replied that you couldn't while in the water because your computer couldn't get wet." I then waited for the confused look and list of questions, but it never came. The little boy simply said "ok" and you all went back to playing. This is progress and acceptance.
Following this while playing at an indoor play area in the mall this weekend you wanted to carry your device around with you. I always worry about it being damaged but figured you had every right to have it with you. You ran up to two kids who were driving the space shuttle, went to your device and said "turn." The child surprisingly gave you a turn and as you sat their driving you went in and labeled it an "airplane" to the other little one sitting next to you. This is a huge amount of growth for you and you are finally accepting that the device is your voice in all environments and with anyone who you may encounter.
Honestly, we need this level of patience and acceptance from the outside world but more importantly society needs the lessons you are teaching them. Just because you do not express yourself as another 7 year old might and because you do not necessarily play sports with the same level of coordination does not mean you don't have the same drive, passion, and playfulness of the child standing next to you. It does not mean that you do not want to have friends, run around with your peers, and cause trouble just as the other children do. You are not alone in this battle with shaping those around you and your persistence, determination, and personality will make a difference.
Keep on Truckin Baby
Love
Mom
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