Brantley has always danced to his own tune. And birthday parties to celebrate him have never been his jam. It makes sense really, he has always lived in his own little world, so it should have been no surprise when our earlier attempts to celebrate his birthday were met with him seeking solace away from the crowd.
After a few failed attempts we learned to honor his request. For years we have quietly celebrated on his terms, only gathering with grandparents and 2 select friends who are close enough to be family.
While we are a few months out from his birthday, I find myself questioning that decision this year.
You see, my boy’s evolving. He no longer retreats to his room when we have guests over. Instead, he’s surprising each visitor with unexpectedly hugs and quirky interactions. His newfound engagement with the world around him has me wondering: could he secretly crave a party? A chance to be the star of the show? Maybe an outing with his classmates, like he’s seen others enjoy?
I’m eager to grant his birthday wishes, but figuring out what he wants without words is like unraveling a mystery. When I ask him about a party, he goes wild hitting buttons on his AAC device. His answers seem random and include “watch,” “play,” “help,” and “eat.” But I question if he’s dropping hints that perhaps that he wants a party at a movie theatre, where he can watch a movie, and eat handful after handful of popcorn, like he has done at multiple schoolmates parties this year.
How how do I know?
Every time his AAC device spouts a string of words, my uncertainty intensifies. Amidst this uncertainty, one question weighs heavily on my mind: How can I ensure Brantley's birthday fulfills all his wishes when I am not certain of his wishes?
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