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Wow, wonderful foresight to have that tracker on him! Does he know it's there?
I'm very impressed that you're still able to manage this big strong young man at home. You must be incredible at managing him. I've always referred to managing my autistic child (but only 3 inches taller than me) as playing a shark on a trout line. You play the line so carefully, hoping the delicate trout line doesn't break, and when you finally succeed in reeling in the line, you've landed a shark!
Oh my goodness, how terrifying for you! I'm so glad this had a happy ending.
And also glad that he does, in fact, know how to cross the street safely! That's huge.
I agree; it is huge. Every time we have crossed the street; even in the neighborhood when we walk the dog; I talk him through the whole process but he will ignore me. Or at least it seems like he does; he will make his “nnnggg” noise & turn in circles or try to walk off. I feel like a grown-up in a Peanuts show: “Wa-Wa, waaaa ...”.
Wow, wonderful foresight to have that tracker on him! Does he know it's there?
I'm very impressed that you're still able to manage this big strong young man at home. You must be incredible at managing him. I've always referred to managing my autistic child (but only 3 inches taller than me) as playing a shark on a trout line. You play the line so carefully, hoping the delicate trout line doesn't break, and when you finally succeed in reeling in the line, you've landed a shark!
Thank you! I really needed to hear something positive; I’ve felt like crap since this happened. He does know it’s there but I don’t think he understands it’s function. I’ve always just said “The tracker keeps you safe ...” I don’t believe he understands that the tracker is the reason the police found him.
To be honest; autistic elopement terrifies me; so many kids wander to water & drown. So, I got him the tracker & got him into swimming lessons that teach “survival floating” & he’s really good at it now. He can roll onto his back in water, not move a muscle & just float on top of the water. It’s a strange thing to see; I used to swim competitively, as did my sister & my sister & two of my daughters are lifeguards & none of us can do it!
I totally get your shark analogy; sometimes I feel like I’m in a strangely choreographed dance with him: A cross between a matador facing down El Toro in the bullring & a ballerina on the stage.
Coscristi, regarding the floating thing. A person with a higher percent if body fat will float much easier that someone with low body, as long as they can relax and not struggle. A person with very low body fat will sing let me a rock without using so me swim strokes if some kind.
How scary. I can't imagine what you went through. The angels were watching out for him by the tracker ending up in his bag and he took the bag with.
My son is in spectrum but high functioning. He was very behind until he was about 19, just keep working the program and hopefully you will see some maturity that may help him. And, wow, what a big guy. Do you still it family still involved with farming, if so maybe he can be given some chores that he can work on. Could give a great sense of accomplishment, purpose and worth... sorry I'm sure you've heard it all, all the suggestions.
Good job Mom!
Are you the same person who's son was reported for being a perv on Halloween?
Um; what? No, apparently not ... he was a vampire. An imposing vampire at that, at 6'2". I have understanding neighbors, I take him trick or treating every year & will do so until he decides he is too old for it.
No perv here. That can be a heartbreaking behavior for children (& adults) with autism & other disabilities but so far; I have been spared.
Coscristi, regarding the floating thing. A person with a higher percent if body fat will float much easier that someone with low body, as long as they can relax and not struggle. A person with very low body fat will sing let me a rock without using so me swim strokes if some kind.
How scary. I can't imagine what you went through. The angels were watching out for him by the tracker ending up in his bag and he took the bag with.
My son is in spectrum but high functioning. He was very behind until he was about 19, just keep working the program and hopefully you will see some maturity that may help him. And, wow, what a big guy. Do you still it family still involved with farming, if so maybe he can be given some chores that he can work on. Could give a great sense of accomplishment, purpose and worth... sorry I'm sure you've heard it all, all the suggestions.
Good job Mom!
Thank you! I wondered about the floating thing ... he has the classic "low muscle tone" found in people with Autism, yet that strength; I don't know where that comes from.
There is something about body mechanics involved ... When he was younger (& smaller) he would meltdown from hyperstimulation of open space. Just getting him out of his car seat & trying to set him on his feet would result in his dropping to the ground & stiffening his spine in such a way that even his 6'4" dad couldn't pick him up. I had to use a specialized jogging stroller that could accommodate up to 125lbs until he was about 7 years old.
He used to crawl on his hands & knees to cross from the living room carpet to the kitchen tile floor, feeling his way across with his hands, almost as if he were blind & I'm afraid that stairs are going to be a lifetime challenge.
You mentioned an improvement with your son at age 19? I've read a ton of case histories that support that as being a period of developmental gain for young males with Autism. God; I sure hope so; I hope we both make it until then (as long as I don't fall asleep, we might).
My heart is just full for you... reading how he left, then finding him, and now reading your challenges of caring for him. And I thought I had it tough with my kids. I applaud you, you're amazing!!
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I'm so glad this had a happy ending. 
