Lockdown … a portable sanctuary (if you have ASD)
A kind note to readers: I’m, of course, talking about my son who has Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and I appreciate that everyone’s case is different. 😊
“Yeah! It’s good for him as he doesn’t have to worry about other people.” My husband told me the other day whilst I was washing the dishes and immediately knew what he was trying to say.
Unquestionably, my son has benefited from the lockdown, and we all have as a family. Let me tell you why and in a nutshell, if he’s happy, we’re happy!
(From my son’s perspective)
When you are standing inside a crowded train full of passengers and these “annoying people” don’t seem to understand that my space is my space and excuse me! You’re standing too close to me that I can smell your breath. A very typical way of commuting before lockdown. Thank goodness that I, hopefully, won’t experience that anymore!
People expect me to understand their body language when I don’t.
There are no more awkward social situations where I stand straight with an emotionless face simply because I haven’t got a clue what the other person is talking about, especially if he speaks very fast. I will, of course, understand him if he tries to speak slowly and patiently and, if possible, gives me an example of what he is trying to convey. My mom always says the acronym KISS, which stands for KEEP IT SIMPLE SWEETHEART! Yeah, life is complicated enough, so, please!
Family gatherings. Gosh! Not again! I love the food and the birthday cake of course. Once I have eaten, I will be happily listening to my music on my phone whilst the rest of the family are busy talking loudly, eating, or singing Karaoke (Filipino parties usually are like that, by the way!)
Nothing is permanent, and we pray to God that the pandemic may soon be a thing of the past. Nevertheless, the lockdown has given my son a chance not to worry much about acting, speaking, and interacting “properly” when you are with others!
