Random Thoughts.....What Are You Thinking?

My son is four years old and autistic, so he has a hard time communicating what he wants, why he's upset, etc. I used to do my best to avoid taking him to stores because he wanted to go where HE wanted, wouldn't (couldn't, really) listen, would cry and scream when he didn't get what he wanted, etc.

I had him for his spring break and we went to three stores in a row. He stayed right next to me in every single one. Listened to me when I said it was time to go. Looked at toys but didn't throw a fit when he couldn't have them, and even put them back.

His therapy is mostly about teaching him to deal with those sorts of situations, and how his mom and I should handle him due to his autism. But when it really comes down to it, it's stuff that would work on any kid - He's being taught that he's not entitled to anything, and that what adults say is what goes, and that if he doesn't like it, he needs to speak up about it and make a case for himself. At four years old. And it's worked.