Austin turned 10 last week. There have been so many changes in his behaviour since he was a toddler and some that stay with him despite his age or how much he has developed in other ways.
Yesterday, we went to the splash pad/park. Austin and Kaleigh went off to play and there were other children who came over from the baseball game to play. It was quite hot here yesterday, so who wouldn't want to run through some refreshing cool water? There were a couple of girls, around 7 and 8 who came to play. One came right up to Austin and starting talking to him, she wanted to play. At times, Austin was not paying attention to her as she spoke and did not answer her. I had to call him over and tell him, the girl is speaking and you are not listening or responding, I told him he needed to pay closer attention. I want to help Austin as much as I can with his social skills, it is not easy.
I watched as they all played together, about 5 of them, Austin started directing and telling the others how to build the castle and who's job was what and when to do it. I do not let this go on as I know this is a huge challenge for Austin, I called him over once again and told him not to direct the others, they know what to do and to relax and have fun. Oh my! This is no easy task for Austin. He just gets so excited! It is almost like watching him at 2 and not 10! All the other kids are playing and walking and talking quietly and Austin is up on his toes running around and arms are flying everywhere. He is so excited he can't contain it. I can see him trying to keep on flat feet and bring his arms down. I think he is more aware of it than the others are, they do not seem to really react to his behaviours. Interesting to me. Do they just think he is hyperactive? Do they think anything at all?
I sat and looked around at the park as all the children played. Needless to say, I did not get much of my Nicholas Sparks book read as I want to watch Austin when other children are around him. Sometimes he can lack focus and I did not want him to knock over one of the little ones, not that it happens much but the potential is there when he is excited. As I watched all the children building the sand castle, the only one that stood out was Austin. He still does not play or engage like typical children. He is much calmer than he used to be but still, the excitement and sensory stimulation is overwhelming. He is playing happily, and I am happy to see him having so much fun but I can't help to think that there is a lot more of that 2 year old boy just trying to get out! Is Austin trying hard to suppress the excitement he feels? At 10, he has much more control than he did at 2 but sitting and watching yesterday, he stills stands out amongst the typical children. Will this always be such a challenge for him? Will he calm down as he gets older? Will he be able to control his excitement so he is not running and jumping all around? He is so calm and laid back most of the time, add any social excitement and he is almost a completely different person, still a very adorable and sweet person mind you.
I am trying my best to help Austin every step of the way and I know the social game is only going to become more and more important. Austin is going into Grade 5, I can't believe it! I know the social dynamic is only going to get more complex. Scary to me! All these changes for Austin, my baby! He is almost as tall as me and talks about gaming and girls! Oh my! How quickly they change and grow but your baby, they will always be, not matter how big, or how old.
All the best! *HUGS*
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