Finding the right

Expressive language deficits

Receptive language deficits

Sensory processing difficulties

Impaired auditory processing

Reading comprehension delays

Impaired social skills

The list grows and contracts. We spend our days correcting deficits. Pushing him, prodding him. No matter how much he achieves, it isn't enough. Each time I leave a meeting with well-intentioned professionals, I wonder, does he do anything right?

We demand he control his extraneous vocals. We want him to communicate more fluently. We expect him to tolerate sounds, lights and textures he finds overwhelming. We want him to find order in a world he finds disordered. We expect him to process auditory information while often ignoring his visual strengths. We send a clearly defined message: be more like us.

The endless criticism would send most mortals into a lifetime of analysis and endless reflection of what constitutes good enough.  

Still, he greets most days with a welcoming smile, eager to please. He accepts us as we are wanting little more than a smile back. He doesn’t care if we are short or tall, rich or poor, articulate or barely literate. Each morning as he smiles down at me I wonder does he grow weary of trying? Does he find our demands insatiable?

To be successful in this world there are skills to master, there is no denying that. But I wonder, in our quest to correct all the "wrongs" do we miss so much that is right? Do we missing the very essence of his being?

Beginning today, I vow to find the “right” each day:

His smile and humor brightens the grayest of days. He brings joy and acceptance to anyone who takes the time to notice. As I reflect on this I know it is my privilege to be his mom.

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