Keep experiencing and don't avoid.

Wonderful post Ali - something I constantly have to reminded myself.
Curious about the communication notebook - was that specifically developed for Simon's school or is it available to anyone? We're trying to find something similar to that for this school year.

Thank you Ali. This is just the thing I needed today! Sometimes it can be so hard to dip that foot into the water.
My own son's therapy involves all sorts of new experiences (it's for speech, but is a little farther reaching with regards to tactile and sensory exposure). At times, it's really challenged him. Now, however, these experiences are starting to have their rewards. Also, I've been a little surprised at my own growth as a result.
Still, it is easy to get lost and forget why we are trudging knee deep into something that upsets our children. So, I am grateful for your reminder of the bigger picture: Experience, don't avoid. Good or bad, experience leads to growth.

cool advice. And who doesn't need to hear that more often. Take the risk....like that!

Thanks so much Ali! I was stressing a bit about how Abbi was going to handle our upcoming trip, but you're right... we need to experience, not avoid. We need to just make this trip everything we can, focus on the good, not the bad, and do all we can to make her comfort level the best it can be, so that she *CAN* experience. thanks ali :-*

I am so thankful that you wrote this entry today. I wrote you one other time - about my little Caroline who was born with Down syndrome two years ago.
Eating issues are big with us. . .and you made me feel like I wasn't alone. There are times I take the well-worn road (as opposed to the road less taken) when it comes to feeding time. But you're right-experiences (good or bad) are what make us grow.
I too, am wiping a tear or two because it feels SO good to know that I'm not alone. Even though we've never met - and may never meet - you, your life, your words, your family--all are part of my everyday life. Thank you for blazing a trail out there. We're listening. We're reading.
And, we're touched.
Angie
East TN

wow -- so true
there's so many levels to being, to living, it continuously astounds me...
thanks for sharing.

Thanks again Ali for just a meaningful and thought-provoking post. How do you do it? How do you tap into my mind and type the words I NEED to hear everyday?! Peace and blessings...Cindy

Today I came home from work feeling very depressed. All of my co-workers and I are being outsourced to lower-paid contract employees. That is 35 people out of work after as little as 6yrs and as many as 46yrs. (20 yrs for me) I worry about income and insurance and all of those "practicle" necessities.
Then I read Ali's blog. Again, my gratitude goes out to Ali for seeing the bigger picture, the possibilities that are available, the prospect of better things to come---experience, take the risk to move forward. Now I just have to keep that on the forfront of my thinking process.
Thank you Ali! I will not let this defeat me.
Cheers..............Karen

Just remember that many of the things that you and Simon experience are common experiences for everyone -- the difference being that it is "heightened" and much more intense. I work with high school students with autism, we have nine (identified) in our high school of 1900 students. Everyone of them is unique and they have all traveled different paths, but they are all very successful in school and have grown so much over the last few years. I am so proud of how hard they work and how aware they are. They are all learning to be their own advocates in life -- what a goal. I love reading your blog -- it is such an insight.

I love yout thoughts and could not agree with you more. I avoid things ALL THE TIME! Thanks for this reminder. I will remember it.

Hey Ali:
Firstly, once again THANK YOU for a wonderful album track in ATL. If you remember me, I'm momma to Lukas (4) and Noah (2 1/2).
Although Lukas does not fall into the spectrum, we deal with many of the same issues with him as kids with Autism. Eating has ALWAYS been a problem as well. It is so nice to feel like you are not alone in that struggle.
Once again, you have put words (far more eloquent) into my mouth. Sometimes you have to just take a deep breath and DO. Lukas struggles with new situations also and I sometimes am tempted to take the easy road. For eample, parties..these are the worst for me. Lukas gets so excited to go then he is the most out of control kid there. Frequently he ends up isolating himself from the other kids. Museums, zoos, events are always like this. The smells, the sounds, the sights, the sun, the heat - all are over-stimulating for Lukas.
I often wonder why I bother?
But YOU know why I do, because I love my baby and giving him every experience I can and helping him learn how to keep experiencing is my most important job right now. I will do what is tough, I will do the hard things, I will be his buffer when people constantly ask "what happened to his leg?" I will EXPERIENCE and I WILL NOT AVOID! I will also show him that DIFFERENT IS OK.
Although, I have only just had the opportunity to meet you, you haved touched my life many times in the past. Thanks for your continuing words of inspiration and support. I look forward to the next time we can meet again. - your fellow Life Artist - Marcia

Yup. I have been avoiding what I knew would be an emotional experience.
I am so afraid to dissapoint that I avoided letting go of one of the big (overwhelming) projects I was involved in because it would cause unrest and well...sad feelings. Even though I knew it was for the best for me and my family.
Just this afternoon I did it and it was so very hard but, I feel lighter and the knot in my stomache is slowly releasing. So good to read this and know that I am not the only one to force myself to get outside of myself and not turtle.

Wow Ali! So true! And don't I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. I really do try to 'experience' rather than avoid, esp. when it comes to Baylee. She can't tell me anything so it's just a guessing game. Ya...I am tired, but like you said, I am the mama! You really inspire me girl. Things are happening around here that will make our lives much more pleasant. This was a great read today. Thank you!

i needed this post too :) Your awesome. Simon is awesome. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and wisdom;)

I LOVE Simon's daily progress chart - I can tell by that one organized pice of paper he must be in a really good school. Gosh, I just admire all you do and your wonderful way of putting things in a new perspective for me...

Ali,
I am sure that you have no concept of just how much you help those of us who regualarly read your site. I cannot imagine the emotional busyness that goes into Simon let alone the physical. I have two children who stretch me to the limits you describe and they have no additional needs. The way that you conduct your life and let us all in on it, is an inspiration that goes beyond words. Thank you for being so real and providing so much food for thought.
On another note, I will be meeting you in Sydney (in two weeks yeahhhhh!!!)and am sooo looking forward to what you will be sharing with us - I feel as if I already know you! I have to say though that I am a little jealous looking at the sneak peek of the Today You class as I could not get into it because it was full. Anyway see you there and keep up the good work - it is tiring and emotional but worth every second - it has made you what you are and will continue to mould you to be what you are to become.

you really are a wonder, dearheart.
thank you for sharing as you do.
what powerful and profound lessons there are ~~~~

Ok, crying right now (good tears) because of your post! Everything you say is always so true. Because of your openess with Simon and his autism, you have totally encouraged me this past year to be more open about my Vince and his autism. I can't tell you enough what an inspiration you are. I know you hear that all the time but you really are, Ali, truly such an inspiration to me. Thank you for these words. Like everybody else, I really needed this today.
xoxo
Jenny

Ali-thanks for reminding us to stop avoiding- so true!!!

Ali, thanks for sharing so much with us -- this is such a rich community of people that read and respond to your blog and it is enriching my life by being a part of it. Taking risks and avoiding the "usual" or the "inevitable" is huge for so many of us. I am also experiencing this as I have made a defining life changing decision...ending my marriage. And it is filled with lots of self-doubt and questioning...past attempts to reconcile and the final realization it won't work. Reading the life stories of everyone here does help me to realize we all have big burdens to bear and we all can help and support one another via sharing. So, thank you Ali for initiating such awesome discussions and thanks to all who post for sharing their thoughts and experiences. Peace - Diane