Independence Day

I wrote this Facebook post while we were on vacation last week: 

Today Hayden truly inspired me. It was a combination of things, but it started with one moment on our bus ride to the park.

When we first boarded the bus to Animal Kingdom, he took a spot behind us. As we’re riding along I hear a bunch of college kids talking, and Hayden is chattering right along with them. I couldn’t tell if he was on-topic or appropriate because it was too loud, but if he wasn’t, no one seemed to mind.

There was a time when this level of independence and social awareness would have been impossible for him. Today he went with the flow and was one of the guys. He rode along without complaint, seemingly indifferent to the noise and crowding; he was just happy to be a chatting it up with strangers he’d just met. He did the same on a ride later in the day as well. 

Sometimes I’m amazed at what he can do and how far he’s come. Today Hayden rode a real roller coaster twice, waited patiently in multiple lines, dealt easily with frustration and fear, and walked over 11 miles in 100 degree heat, with next-to-no complaints. His sister got a toy while he was on a ride, and he didn’t even ask if he could get one too. (We’ll help him get a souvenir later.) Our entire visit to the park was one spectacular wow after another. 

There are things he’s working on, of course. But don’t we all have some things? Today was all about what Hayden CAN do, instead of what he cannot. 

I am very grateful for the disability accommodations provided by Disney, which helped make our day go so smoothly. These accommodations meant less waiting and frustration for him, and ensured that he had a chance to do all the things he wanted to do today. 

But in the end, my kid works hard to be the best he can be, and I couldn’t be more proud of him. I’m beyond thrilled about how well today went and will treasure this day for a long time. It went well because he chose to have a good attitude and go with the flow. It went well because he made it that way.

Every day he shows me that he’s capable of more than anyone once expected of him, and I’m so excited to see what’s next for him on his journey.

Hayden’s truly amazing show of independence this trip is fitting for our Independence Day vacation. He showed us how far he has come and how well he handles change and adversity now. We're all truly blessed.

Autism is treatable.

Hayden is Hope.

FUA