Bonny, who heads the program for Autism at OU, is his counselor, and he had his first meeting with her yesterday afternoon. They spoke for the better part of two hours; he was in a pretty good mood when they emerged.
He felt comfortable and said they talked about a "a lot."
Before leaving we made another appointment for next week, but I don't mind saying that feels like a lifetime away.
It is always remarkable to me to see how Karl becomes very stiff and formal when meeting someone, with his gaze almost meeting theirs. He will be slouching in a chair, seemingly relaxed and questioning me (for the third time) as to why we are where we are, and what is the point of this meeting (or playing on one of his little handheld games), when the person [we] are there to talk with appears and he suddenly rights himself in the chair and becomes 'British' in posture. Sometimes he offers his hand to shake, other times he just recites "it's nice to meet you" and nods his head like an animatron droid - one nod down and back up....very cold and formal and old fashioned.
It was difficult getting him to this level of interraction...to this social skill level. And if I found the way difficult, don't you know how much more difficult it had to have been for him?! That fact is never far from my thoughts.
Karl is remarkable, and the progress he has made over the years is truly amazing, and I thank God for making the changes possible. Even though there is so much more to accomplish, obstacles to overcome - or at least learn to deal with - I am still thankful for the achievements to this point in time.
That is why I am encouraged to have found the services afforded to the Autistic spectrum community at OU. This is Karl's year...his chance to grow and blossom. Thank you, God.
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