People often wonder how we gauge Brantley's understanding, given his nonverbal nature and apparent detachment.
It's a valid question.
Yet, I can assure you, he listens.
He absorbs everything around him, like a sponge soaking up every drop of water.
For his birthday, we planned a day trip riding side by sides and four wheelers, which is his ultimate joy, a thrill he inherited from me and his father. We made sure to mention our plans to him several times in the days leading up to the event. Every time, his face would light up with excitement, his blue eyes sparkling with anticipation.
So, when illness struck and we were forced us to postpone our planned excursion, Brantley was furious.
He screamed.
He slammed things.
He put on his boots and stood at the door.
He couldn't comprehend why the day he'd been eagerly awaiting wasn't unfolding as promised. After all, we had assured him of a day filled with adventure, yet we were not loading into our truck with a full trailer behind us.
Despite our best efforts to prepare him for the change in plans, the reality of the situation hit him hard. He was deeply invested in the idea of our adventure, because he listens. He understands. He comprehends.
It served as yet another reminder of his comprehension. Further evidence that despite not openly acknowledging what's said to him, Brantley does indeed listen and understand everything.
Thankfully, he also understood our promises to reschedule our plan to hit the trails with my favorite riding buddy in tow next weekend. #autismfamily #autismlife #disbailitytok #autismparents #nonverbalautism
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