I often feel like Jonah would prefer to be alone. To play alone. To do things alone without others interfering. To watch his shows by himself. To play with his tablet by himself.

And sometimes (many times), that is the case.

But I often forget that he has the same “social needs” as everyone else.

When we had friends over for a sleepover, he wanted to be right in the mix of it with the other kids.

He wanted to run around and do whatever they were doing.

So much so that he wanted to sleep with the guests in their bed.

It’s so easy to forget, but Jojo is VERY social.

When Jonny starts laughing, Jonah will start laughing, for whatever the reason.

Jonah loves to play with Jonny and Daddy and Mama too and will often go out of his way to play with US (take us by the hand and lead us to all the “fun” so we can join in).

So often I think of Ausome parenting in terms of “taking care of” Jonah.

Sometimes I need to remember that it is also about “having fun WITH him.”

Thanks to Walk Down Autism Lane for the reminder!

Original Facebook Post.