This is no trouble for Miss Mikayla, my social butterfly, take charge kind of girl. She has friends lined up for miles. She has been on more playdates and sleepovers in her young 7 years than I ever had my entire childhood. Then there is Michael.
Don't get me wrong, I am extremely impressed with Michael. He has moved beyond his big brother Dale and has actually called friends himself! Dale never once called any friend. The only friend he had was CJ, and that is because CJs mom and I worked together and I "arranged" the friendship for him. Michael has 3 "best" friends right now. One is a little girl who is too scared to come over our house. Michael has been on two playdates with her. The first one was at the park over eight months ago, and the second one was at her house. We have to wait and see when her mom isn't working in order to have a playdate. Michael is too funny because he will call their house (he has their phone number memorized) and ask for a playdate. When the mom says "yes" he immediately hangs up. "Mom, Emily's mom said YES!" Ok, Michael what day? What time? Did you ask any questions? Part communication error due to autism, part that what some 7 year olds probably do.
I end up calling the mom back. She was at work and Michael called her cell phone. No, he isn't actually going to have a playdate. On to friend number two.
Our next friend we have better luck with. He is at the babysitters this week, and we'd have to get him from there and bring him back later. Ok! Friend number two comes over. Mikayla had invited her friend over as well. Now the girls can play with the girls, and the boys can play with the boys. Sounds perfect right? Not exactly, because even tho friend number two really likes Michael when they are in class, friend number two also LOVES playing with Mikayla. Jealousy ensues, Michael has a few melt downs, locks himself in my bedroom wanting to be alone, has a few misunderstandings, throws the tooth fairy pillow at friend number two, and mommy decides it is time to send friend number two home a little early.
Michael is working on making friends and maintaining friends. He is trying really hard. It still is a tough thing to do. We are lucky to have a wonderful school counselor that helps Michael 2-3 times a week with this issue. I am grateful for the community in which we live. I am also thankful for our whole immediate family who constantly works with Michael. My mom told me once, "Michael is very lucky to have you for a mom. He couldn't have picked a better family to be born into. With a veteran teacher, a smart dad, lots of other family support and prior experience with autism, Michael will do well and will make it in life."
I think, too, that Mike is picking friends who are likely to be willing to put up with his momentary oddness. :) Friend #1 is shy, so she understands how hard it is to make and keep friends. Friend #2 is the youngest and only boy in a family of many girl siblings, and he appreciates that Mike has moments. When Mike flips, #2 is off to play with others for a bit, then comes back. It doesn't seem to phase him too much (though he does tattle a bit LOL... the results of being one boy among many females).
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