I read somewhere that being on the spectrum can make a person quite literal. I've wondered how we will manage that being some of the most sarcastic people I know. It can be confusing to an autistic kid; sarcasm. And yet sarcasm is a huge part of who I am. I also use a lot of phrases and sayings that could have many other meanings, but you know, people just know those expressions... right. So what's a sarcastic and expression using mama to do?!
I probably shouldn't tell the shoe addicted kid on the spectrum that his shoes aren't broken in yet and that's why he has trouble slipping them on his feet. It took 10 minutes to calm him and get him to stop sobbing, "My shoe breaking? You breaked my shoe?!" It was all good after I showed him his intact shoe, got it on his foot and told him I was just kidding about the breaking in thing.
In cute literal moment: His therapist was working with him today with pretend play using duplo and duplo people. She, speaking as the farmer, said to Eli's duplo guy, "See you later alligator!" Eli replied with a puzzled look, his hands in the air and, "We don't have an alligator." In a voice that said he was sorry but there was no alligator to say goodbye to.
I'm working on it. At first I tried to explain what breaking in meant. That got me some funny looks and more tears. So then I just tried to repair the damage I did with those two simple words. In the end he's okay and I know not to use that expression again! I wonder though if it gets better? Will he learn some of these expressions? Will he figure out my sarcasm like the older two kids have? Or will I accidentally hurt him with my words forever? I guess only time will tell.
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