Cha-Cha the WonderKid

I love this kid.  He's funny and bright and perceptive and quirky.  And, as of last month, diagnosed with high-functioning autism.

I've delayed writing about it because, frankly, it doesn't change anything.  He's still Charley, who I adore through and through.  But ol' hubby wrote about it on his blog, so I figured the time was nigh. 

The diagnosis certainly explains a lot from the past 4 1/2 years.  The trains.  The incredible memory.  The desire to play alone.  It all makes perfect sense.

We're incredibly lucky (for many reasons), not the least being that Charley is a mild case.  His behaviours are more quirky than limiting.  He eats, he sleeps and he is a loving, clever boy.  School will (and has) presented challenges, but I think that he will find his way.  Co-operating with a group of 25 kids is not going to be his forte, but I think he'll figure out a way to make it work.

This morning Charley and I got to spend a few hours together, just the two of us.  It's a PA day and Sam went to his pre-school as usual.  Charley and I went for a hike up the river for an hour.  It was beautiful and we watched many salmon scooting their way up the rapids. 

Our new life is challenging and busy, but it's beautiful and rewarding in equal amounts.  Kind of like my kid.

Salmon!!  Recognizably captured!!