My April Fool's Surprise

Do you play any fun-loving tricks on your children on April Fool's Day? I normally don't, but mainly because I'm a horrible fib teller.  My kids can see right through me if I try and that's assuming I even get through my tale. lol

Today seems somewhat of a joke to me though (in a good way)... my son surprised me this morning at his appointment for a blood draw, something he's never had done before. My asperger's son (high-functioning autism) has a horrible history with needle phobia to the point we usually have to hold him down (in love... if you're a mom this will hopefully make sense!) come immunization time. I have never taken him without the aid of my very strong husband to help hold him still long enough to keep a needle from ripping through his fighting arm.We've tried all sorts of strategies to help him calm down before and during the experience, but nothing has worked and up until very recently he was already dreading (with tears at night) his next immunization, which isn't even scheduled to take place until he turns 11. We've even tried creams that are supposed to numb the injection site, but not even that has worked.

I always try to have the highest expectations for my 8 year old son (while remaining emotionally and physically ready for whatever comes), always assuming he can tackle his fears when he's ready. I believe in being honest with him, while building up his confidence, and giving him time to process what is to come. Today he survived a blood draw without any tears on the drive to the lab, no fighting or irritability as we entered the facility and although he had that look in his eye when it was time to face the needle, he never shed a tear. When the technician told him the needle was in, he actually started giggling, because the pain was so minor to what he was expecting. Wow... my boy is growing up! You wouldn't have even known he was on the autism spectrum, was super-sensitive to certain kinds of touch/sensations, or that he suffers from high-anxiety.

I kept waiting to either wake up from this dream or for someone to yell out "April Fool's!", but it was real and he was awesome! He faced a fear and felt so amazing after it was over. What an incredible day for him... it was a great confidence builder to say the least!

Today has been a great day!