the movies

Smoochy and I went to the movie Saturday.

That is a really hard thing for people with autism.  You would think that being in an environment where a bunch of seats are the same, dark walls and low lighting would be totally stimulus neutral.

But it is really loud, with lots of people moving around, and a larger than life screen that is flashing with different images every 10 seconds.  Not to mention the smell of food, perfume and cleaning supplies.  Something that many of us consider soothing and relaxing puts an autistic person on hyper drive.

When he was much smaller we could only go to matinees and sit on the end of an aisle, usually close to the exit.  He would have to get out of his seat and into the aisle about 20 times. He would take it as long as he could and then he would beg to go home.  I rarely made it through an entire movie, and at $5.50 a pop, we just didn't risk it very often.

But today was the close of spring break and I had nothing fun to show for it.  We had to buy a van and until that house sells we have no resources for traveling.  I wanted everyone to go, but they are such diverse ages that they couldn't agree on a movie and they most certainly didn't want to see a "baby" pg movie.  So the 'baby" and I went together.

It. was. glorious!!!!

He only got out of his seat twice.  He only asked to go home 5 times.  And once the movie he started....he. watched. it.  YAY!!!

Such a simple, simple, thing that we expect children to just know how to do with pretty easy instructions.  And today my sweet, sweet Smoochy mastered it!!!

I couldn't be prouder or happier, just like

a good mother would!