I work with a fourth grader, Jay, who is on the Autism Spectrum. He is high functioning in some ways and socially challenged in other ways. He reminds me of Dustan Hoffman in Rainman. Each day is an interesting experience.
Yesterday, I began our Monday morning conversation with the expected question, “So what did you do over the weekend?”
Jay answered, “Nothing much.” Silence followed and so I prodded some more, practicing conversation with him, trying to create a more open ended response.
“What did you do? What do you mean by ‘nothing much’?” I said hopefully.
Jay stopped, turned to face me, and totally serious said, “It means…I didn’t do anything.” Abruptly, he turned and kept walking as if to say, “Duh, Mrs. G.”
Ha! Ha! I am still laughing! Sounds like wants to be a regular kid.
Yes, a spark of connection. I guess he truly did nothing. And there you have it!
Guess he told you, huh? You never know what you’re going to get with children, even one that is a little different. Perhaps he does just want to be a regular kid. Thanks, Mary Helen!
I am thankful that you see the humor in this. I have been in this same scenario so many times that I have moments where rather than seeing the humor and running with it, I have wanted to throw my hands up and scream, “Why do I even try?!?!”
Oh the joy these kiddos bring to our days….
That reminds me of something Sheldon on Big Bang Theory would say. Good strategy to try, but it is only going to work when you are expecting it not to. Murphy’s Law.
Sweet slice. Nice to see how you connected with him.