Thank you for sharing these thoughts, Heather! I work in public libraries (particularly in youth literacy) and have been encouraged by the influx of sensory-friendly and adaptable programming and materials. Thank you for not shying away from these spaces, but encouraging their development and adaptability.
Reading to Milo all these years is such a beautiful act of love. You may never know the gift you have given him in sharing these stories, though I hope one day you will see its fruit. Thank you for writing so honestly.
My love for so-called twaddle as a kid in no way diminished my deep and abiding love of Shakespeare and Dostoevsky. If anything, maybe it provided a kind of contrast. I opted for Pony Pals and Thoroughbred series, but was right there with you for 29-cent hamburger (and 39-cent cheeseburger) night!!! Norah's obsessed with Warrior Cats, which, alas, was not written until 2003.
Loved this, Heather. You’re a great mom. I cut my teeth on twaddle (Sweet Valley Twins, Goosebumps, Fear Street, Babysitters Club) but now I’m grateful I get to experience the classics as an adult. :)
Everyone needs books & the library is the place where everyone should be welcome. I read with my own children long before they could speak or understand because reading together creates a bond-the sound of your voice, sharing in the illustrations & eventually the story itself. I worked 15 years with kids with autism & they are able to enjoy sharing books just like any other child, each in their own way.
I brought my autistic kids to the library for the first time last weekend and the librarians were giving us dirty looks. I just find it irksome that modern society sees children as such a nuisance, especially when they have invisible disabilities. I also loved libraries as a kid but honestly, I don’t think we’ll ever go back. It wasn’t a child friendly environment even in the children’s section.
You’re right about hoping. That’s the thing with autism, you’re always hoping because you catch a glimpse of something magical and you so desperately want to see it again.
Oh this is beautiful! I have a son with autism who is verbal but has some significant speech delays. I also love sharing classical literature with him. Even though I wonder how much he is taking in, I know that it is a worthwhile practice for both of us.
I love that you’re providing your boys with a feast of books—and reading to them! That’s so huge. It’s like a long slog when you don’t see the effect, though, and I get that. Our culture is so conditioned to expect itemized results, but I’m learning, slowly, that that’s not how we were created to learn, even those of us who are “normal.” Learning is a wholistic, big picture deal, always moving and growing, and not quantifiable. You are doing the good work with your boys, Heather!
Thank you for sharing your heart and your life with your boys! Although I do not have children with autism, I appreciate hearing your story and look forward to your posts.
I think this is a refreshing perspective on "twaddle" -- I, too, was allowed to check out just anything I wanted from the library growing up--x-men comics, greek mythology, charlotte's web, just whatever. I admit I do have kind of an "UGGGHH" reaction when we are checking out Batman Early Readers again though haha
As a person who has autism, I can’t help but wonder if the first incident you related about your son at the library has something to do with social anxiety. Probably the only way you would know it is if he is upset most of the time he’s close to many people.
I was not diagnosed with autism until my 55th birthday, eight years ago. But for most of my life I was vaguely aware that something was wrong with me.
I didn’t learn until after my diagnosis that one of my biggest problems is extreme social anxiety which shuts down my brain and makes it very difficult to be around people.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts, Heather! I work in public libraries (particularly in youth literacy) and have been encouraged by the influx of sensory-friendly and adaptable programming and materials. Thank you for not shying away from these spaces, but encouraging their development and adaptability.
Reading to Milo all these years is such a beautiful act of love. You may never know the gift you have given him in sharing these stories, though I hope one day you will see its fruit. Thank you for writing so honestly.
My love for so-called twaddle as a kid in no way diminished my deep and abiding love of Shakespeare and Dostoevsky. If anything, maybe it provided a kind of contrast. I opted for Pony Pals and Thoroughbred series, but was right there with you for 29-cent hamburger (and 39-cent cheeseburger) night!!! Norah's obsessed with Warrior Cats, which, alas, was not written until 2003.
Loved this, Heather. You’re a great mom. I cut my teeth on twaddle (Sweet Valley Twins, Goosebumps, Fear Street, Babysitters Club) but now I’m grateful I get to experience the classics as an adult. :)
Everyone needs books & the library is the place where everyone should be welcome. I read with my own children long before they could speak or understand because reading together creates a bond-the sound of your voice, sharing in the illustrations & eventually the story itself. I worked 15 years with kids with autism & they are able to enjoy sharing books just like any other child, each in their own way.
I brought my autistic kids to the library for the first time last weekend and the librarians were giving us dirty looks. I just find it irksome that modern society sees children as such a nuisance, especially when they have invisible disabilities. I also loved libraries as a kid but honestly, I don’t think we’ll ever go back. It wasn’t a child friendly environment even in the children’s section.
You’re right about hoping. That’s the thing with autism, you’re always hoping because you catch a glimpse of something magical and you so desperately want to see it again.
I always look forward to your posts, Heather!
Oh this is beautiful! I have a son with autism who is verbal but has some significant speech delays. I also love sharing classical literature with him. Even though I wonder how much he is taking in, I know that it is a worthwhile practice for both of us.
I love that you’re providing your boys with a feast of books—and reading to them! That’s so huge. It’s like a long slog when you don’t see the effect, though, and I get that. Our culture is so conditioned to expect itemized results, but I’m learning, slowly, that that’s not how we were created to learn, even those of us who are “normal.” Learning is a wholistic, big picture deal, always moving and growing, and not quantifiable. You are doing the good work with your boys, Heather!
❤
Thank you for sharing your heart and your life with your boys! Although I do not have children with autism, I appreciate hearing your story and look forward to your posts.
I think this is a refreshing perspective on "twaddle" -- I, too, was allowed to check out just anything I wanted from the library growing up--x-men comics, greek mythology, charlotte's web, just whatever. I admit I do have kind of an "UGGGHH" reaction when we are checking out Batman Early Readers again though haha
As a person who has autism, I can’t help but wonder if the first incident you related about your son at the library has something to do with social anxiety. Probably the only way you would know it is if he is upset most of the time he’s close to many people.
I was not diagnosed with autism until my 55th birthday, eight years ago. But for most of my life I was vaguely aware that something was wrong with me.
I didn’t learn until after my diagnosis that one of my biggest problems is extreme social anxiety which shuts down my brain and makes it very difficult to be around people.
Thank you for sharing this intimate account. We are also a homeschool family, loves the library times, and are voracious readers.