Gabe and his Adventures in Life

Recently, My big G went to a Taekwondo tournament.  I am always amazed and impressed to see him compete.  Although he participates with fewer competitors than the average kid, he still earns what he does.  This being his second tournament, he received two second place medals and is ecstatic to tell you all about them. 

Let me remind you, I'm talking about Gabe.  He's my little man with Autism.  As I have mentioned him to you in a post, The Face of Autism, I wanted to share with you a little bit more about our family's journey with Autism.  Gabe is very high functioning and does quite well for himself, but I am always looking for activities for him to participate in which will benefit him.  As our Autism consultant from the schools and the occupational therapist had recommended, I had considered looking into him joining Taekwondo (tkd).  I was extremely hesitant to do so, because I am such a passive person.  I have been raised to follow my heart and not act with my hands.  So, against my beliefs, I looked into it and wasn't impressed. 

Not two months later, at our county fair, I literally run into a person from the local tkd school.  This family is one that our autism consultant had recommended me to talk with because our sons were so similar.  Their son being 17 and Gabe being 7, I should meet with them and get to know how their son is at 17 because most likely, my son will be similar at that age.  They did not know me, and I did not know how much of an impact they would have on my life!  As this fair was in the summer, I had Gabe signed up right as school was starting.  After meeting them and briefly talking to them I had made the decision that this was the avenue to go. Little did I know what a life changing experience it would be for Gabe.

The rest of his summer was filled with sweet anticipation of what was to come and a lot of watching Kung Fu Panda.  He kept telling me as we would talk about tkd that he wanted to learn Kung Fu!  I tried to steer him in the right direction but not knowing much, I couldn't.  That first week of two classes after school was an absolute disaster for me.  I would get him there, and he was tired and so silly.  He laughed at all the wrong jokes, he was so tired out he didn't want to move correctly.  He looked like a giggly noodle!  Seven months later, what has changed?  He has some muscle tone.  Yes, he is still low tone, but most children with autism are.  He can do a few sit ups and he can make me giggle by attempting a push up.  He has the motor control to move his hands and legs together to do a jumping jack.  He has coordination.  Oh, let me rephrase that, he has some coordination, an improvement, but leaving a lot to be desired still!  ;) 

Which brings us to our most recent events.  After many private lessons, classes, and work at home, Gabe went to a competition and, although, did not perform as well as he could have, he did his best.  He does much better, of course, when he is in a private lesson where there is little distraction.  But in a room with hundreds of people and multiple competitions happening, my amazing Gabe took two second places.  This is one proud mama!






A picture from Gabe's first tournament with his best friend and instructor.  I really wouldn't know what to do without our tkd family.