Before I knew anything about “Autism,” all that I had learned about it was through movies and TV shows.
And the stereotype is always the same. The neurotypical actor will portray a cold, calculating, distant savant or brilliant scientist but always lacking in emotion.
And that is NOT Jonah at all.
When Jonah was evaluated, I made a video of how affectionate and “happy” Jonah was, basically trying to convince the doctors that Jonah WAS NOT autistic.
But that just showed how little I knew of autism back then.
You cannot learn about Autism from a show.
It’s not real life.
Jonah has ALWAYS been “Jonah.” And he defines “Autism” for us.
He’s always been our little jokester. Our “coco-pugs”
The kid snuggles up with us every night. He wants to fall asleep on my chest.
He loves for me to hold him.
He goes up to his brother and asks to play “get me” or “tickle monster.”
His face lights up when Mama gets home from work.
He is autistic.
And he is full of love and affection, and values it from others.
(Love this from Cat on a trampoline)