The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of persons on the autism spectrum disorder. We envision a society where Filipinos on the spectrum become the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive, socially-accepted citizens of an Autism-OK Philippines.

24 June 2010

A “Normal” Autism Day

By: Pinky O. Cuaycong


Things are quiet here at home. When Alex is at school and my husband is at work, the pace of the household changes and almost slows down to a grinding halt. Alphonse stays in his “schoolhouse” for the better part of the day, working with his teachers, while I pop in every now and then to check on him. Some afternoons, he takes a nap in the house; most days, he simply runs and play till it’s time to go back to work again. Day in and day out, the rhythm of the household stays the same and while it can be comforting, sometimes, it can also be too quiet.

I don’t miss the drama of the old days, though, when whole days were spent quieting tantrums or getting over painfully aggressive episodes. I’m grateful that Alphonse has calmed down to a considerable measure, and that even in his angriest or saddest moments, he has gained control of his emotions and actions. Of course, there are moments when he still fills the entire house with his howls and cries. When Alphonse cries, he cries with his whole heart and soul, pouring every bit of pain and sorrow into his waterfall of tears and his howls of anguish.

Thankfully, there are more happy moments in this home now. We revel and take pleasure in each and every one of them. Alphonse’s joy at even the simplest things- a squirt bottle cap, hello kitty dolls, a kiss- reminds us that nothing should ever be taken for granted. Not the smiles that he willingly shares with us each day. Not the sloppy kisses that wake us up each morning and send us off to dreamland every night. Alphonse has taught us that everything is perfect, even in his imperfect world.

This is our normal autism day.

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Pinky Cuaycong is Kittymama, full time mom of two boys (a 16-year-old high school junior and a 14-year-old with profound autism), part-time writer, and blogger. In Okasaneko Chronicles, she writes about her life’s deepest passions: her husband of 18 years, her teenage sons, autism advocacy, and Hello Kitty.

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