We found out he had autism when he was a tiny boy. He'd have meltdowns in Kindergarten, and no one could figure out why, until he got the official autism diagnosis. I was scared; of course I was. Back then, people were still learning about autism. We had to figure out ways to help him.
He's come a long way since then.
I don't know how it happened, but he's nearly done with high school. He has one year left. One year. And for awards night, two teachers nominated him for most inspirational.
I'm not surprised. No matter how tough life gets, he keeps going. I know he's had a few panic attacks at school where he actually cries. I know this because I find wadded up tissues in his pockets. I can tell when he comes home if he's had a rough day. It's not because kids are mean to him, it could mean that the schedule changed, or a teacher shouted at the class. Tommy has never been able to cope with that. He feels like he has disappointed the teacher in some way.
He doesn't give up.
He's not your typical high school student. He doesn't play sports. He isn't in any after school programs. He doesn't have a ton of friends. Only a select few. He has been to any school dance.
But he enjoys making and editing videos. That's his thing. That's what he does.
If I ever think I can't do something I remember, yes, I can, because Tommy can. He's in a world that's too noisy and often confusing (why don't people just say what they mean?), but he doesn't give up.
He's my inspiration.
Always.
I am amazed by Tommy. He deserves the inspirational awards. I love that he is true to himself and keeps pushing forward. My daughter Emily has ADHD, Anxiety and Sensory Processing Disorder. So school is hard for her. She has meltdowns when things are loud or when routine changes. But I always tell her to take a time out for herself and keep moving forward. Like Tommy, she loves making videos!
ReplyDeletethank you so much for sharing your inspiring story about sweet tony- what an amazing kid and hes going to move mountains my friend! love that he is finding his passion too w/ your help! you're an awesome mom!
ReplyDeleteIt's great that he received not one but two inspiration awards! They grow up so fast and it's hard to believe he has one year left. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteHe is definitely inspiring. I can't believe he's already going to be a senior!
ReplyDeleteHe is definitely an inspiration! I have a niece that has autism and I'm in spire Daley by what she does and how she is able to live with us and still be really more successful than I could ever be.
ReplyDeleteThis is so great! Congratulations to him on getting through HS! I didn't really care for high school personally, teenagers can be terrible, so this is amazing to hear. I don't have kids to be able to relate, but I think you get a lot of credit for helping him grow and succeed.
ReplyDeleteI can totally see why he is your inspiration what a wonderful young man and well done to him on his nominations. High School is utterly awful!
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ReplyDeleteIt's nice to read your mother's words to see how a child can inspire and can teach us too, to an adult it's wonderful!
He's a good kid and you have done so well with him. He's going to grow up to be an amazing man!
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool! Congrats to your son. I loved watching Kodi Lee on America's Got Talent this week. I think people with autism can do amazing things. It sounds like video editing is your son's thing.
ReplyDeleteAh! I'm glad Tommy has you as a mom! I'm glad that it his frustration or sadness at times wasn't from a bully. I think it's wonderful that he loves editing videos! He could work at TV station editing vo/sots for newscasts, or he could start his own home business editing videos and putting together commercials for clients. He could use his editing skills and if he has skills for that, he probably has some other computer skills that he could utilize. What a great mom you've been to him!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an awesome post. I think it's an amazing that you let him be him and that you continue to support him.
ReplyDeleteYay, Tommy! Not only does he inspire me, but his mom inspires me, too. You should get an award, too!
ReplyDeleteI love this post! And I think it's great that not one but TWO of his teachers saw and recognized how inspirational he is!!
ReplyDeleteThis just makes my heart happy! No matter the "differences" as moms, we always will support our kids and it is amazing to see them grow! Your son seems like an amazing inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThis is truly inspiring story.I read about your son's life journey through your blog posts.It is amazing to see how he is growing with courage.
ReplyDeleteThis made me tear up. You have an amazing son and I am so glad you share him with us!
ReplyDeleteHe sounds absolutely amazing. Good job, mama! And great job, Tommy! You both should be so proud!
ReplyDeleteThis so proud moment. He is absolutely inspirational. Despite of all the struggles, he bagged awards that's such a great thing. Applaud to him. Hope to see more inspirational moments by him through your posts.
ReplyDeleteOh Amber, you must be so proud of him! He is absolutely amazing and you should be proud of yourself because this is all down to you and your parenting. Being in a family that is a member of the forces is difficult enough and you are doing such a great job.
ReplyDeletethat is so lovely! finding inspiration in people closest to us is the most inspiring to me. it is precious!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome. How time flies when you are a parent. I wish I had time to sit down and figure out how to edit videos quickly. It is so great that he has a talent that he truly enjoys.
ReplyDeleteIt's insane how fast time flies! He's already almost done high school?! Congrats, bud - where does the time go?!
ReplyDeleteIt's so crazy how quick the time can go. Congrats to him on those awards. That's awesome! He sounds like an amazing man!
ReplyDeleteFor me he looks like a very normal guy that on his look he is totally good and handsome.He's so precious and very inspirational to others. God bless!!
ReplyDeleteHe is such a legend and an inspiration. I know he's going to do well in school. Your son has a bright future.
ReplyDeleteLovely story. It is inspiring. I hope your son gets to pursue whatever makes him happy so long as it's for his own good.
ReplyDeleteHe is such a lovely boy. I am pretty sure he'll be doing alright in school. Such an inspiration and a strong boy.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet. Congratulations on his nominations. I think he'll do great. Here's wishing him the best of everything.
ReplyDelete-Lynndee
This is a lovely post! Congrats on his nominations! He is such an inspiration
ReplyDeleteOh wow, what an amazing boy. Making and editing video is such a great skill! Congratulations for the awards, and all the best for his future! ~ Ola @ WanderWithOla
ReplyDeleteWhat a loving post. Your son is so lucky to have you just as you are lucky to have him.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about your autistic son. My brother is 31 and autistic and he is doing well and your son will be fine too!
ReplyDeleteHe really is growing up to be such a great kid. He deserves nothing but the world!
ReplyDeleteHe is very inspiring and I am sure you are just so proud of him! One more year!
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