They say, you are what you eat.If I had to single out the best thing that has happened in 2009, that would be helping my thirty-six year old son, Brandon continue to develop and grow. He has reached many plateaus over the years, and then for long periods of time his maturation seemed to completely stop. It’s almost like his mind and body needed to catch up with one another and come back in sync. Now, I have realized those seemingly dormant periods were the times that Brandon needed to process the new information.
Although Brandon has been able to live alone for more than twelve years, there are many basic tasks he continues to struggle with. The most challenging has been how to eat healthy. Brandon still has great difficulty with his fine motor skills so preparing food is extremely hard, and knowing what to buy to make a balanced, healthy meal, and something he will want to eat is completely foreign to him.
Several months ago, Brandon and I were out eating in a restaurant when I realized how I could help him accomplish this most difficult task. At Brandon’s favorite restaurant, you place your order first and then take a number and sit down and wait for your food to be delivered to your table. Before you place your order there is a huge glass counter filled with all the dishes you can choose from. I could see Brandon was struggling with what would be best, good, or right. I asked Brandon, “How about if you choose your food by color? Pick two colors, for example, the orange carrots, green beans, yellow squash and then add one beige, white, or brown item.”
Ever since that day, Brandon has been eating healthier. He is no longer ordering a sandwich, with a side of fries, and macaroni. His plate used to have too many starches, and looked beige, white, and grey, but today his plate looks colorful, vibrant, and healthy, and so does he. This was a huge break through for Brandon.
Brandon understands the concept and loves the idea. He has even taken it to the next level, when purchasing food at the market he chooses live salads in place of boxed items that we call food with little value. He has replaced cookies with trail mix, potato chips with a rice snack, and his breakfast cereal is covered in rice milk. He is aware that there are many healthy alternatives, and he is discovering new products each time he shops. He looks at marketing much differently. It used to be an awful chore, but now he sees it as a new adventure.
While living in his apartment, cooking and eating properly has been a huge struggle for Brandon. But, this year he has conquered both. He feels proud of himself and is able to make good, healthy choices. They say, you are what you eat, and Brandon is the perfect example.
As parents, who have children or adults with autism, we are often forced to think outside the box to match our children’s thinking. Once we get that perfect match it’s almost magical, and everyone seems to benefit.
It is now a pleasure to go grocery shopping and to go out to a restaurant with Brandon, he knows what he wants and he has a newly found self-confidence that is delightful. Eating is no longer an issue it has become fun and enjoyable.
May 2010 bring you much pleasure, joy, and, creativity.
Warm Wishes,
Amalia Starr
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Comments (6)
What an inspiring article. Kudos to you for continuing to teach your son how to live a healthy, independent and complete life. If you'd like more information on Autism, please visit http://my.adcouncil.org/autismawareness/ and see how the Ad Council is working to combat Autism through awareness and education.
Sarah Martin
Ad Council
@Sarah Martin - Thank you for your comment. Ou special needs children/adults, no matter what their age need our continued support and encouragement. What is so important is to that we are respectful and allow them to learn through trial and error. Brandon continues to grow, and I continue to be his biggest fan!
All the best,
Amalia Starr
Your story is amazing and hugely inspirational - not only have you taught your son that he can live independently and make healthy food choices, but I think you have also taught me that you always have a choice to look at a situation in a positive or a negative way. You were able to find the joy in an unlikely situation. Thank you for opening my eyes!
May you have many great adventures and experience lots of love,
Annabelle :)
@annabelle807@xanga - Dear Annabelle, Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post, and for your lovely comments. I have learned while raising Brandon that acceptance of "what is" is the answer, having choices is a necessity, and thinking positive is the only option in order to survive and succeed. As a mother, it is my job to respectfully assist my adult son whenever possible, and without stepping on his toes. We have worked very hard over the years to make his dream of independence become a reality. He has had many obstacles to overcome. There are days when I don't know how he makes it, but he does. Together we find ways, many force me to think outside the box, so my son can continue to live on his own, and keep his dream of independence alive. I have two adult sons and they mean the world to me. I am forever grateful.
What a wonderful way to wake up to your beautiful comments, and making a new friend. May your future be bright and filed with love, happiness and joy!
All the best in 2010,
Amalia Starr
This color plan sounds like a great idea. We're still working on helping my brother (25) learn to pick healthier foods and to manage his weight.
Though if we presented this idea to him, he would likely insist that he always chooses different colors for his meals, such as a chocolate bar, orange soda, and twizzlers including red, orange, and brown.
But it is certainly easier to learn and remember than the calorie-unit theory I've been trying to explain for the last two years. Thanks for the suggestion.
-Cale
@frogger11758 - Thanks for the great comment. I had to laugh when you said a chocolate bar, orange soda, and twizzlers. They are are the correct colors, can't argue with that. Maybe you could try by talking about live food, such as fruits and vegetable and one protein like fish, chicken or beef. I don't know your brother so I am not sure if this will work, but I would love for you to keep me posted when something does work. You sound like a great brother. I wish you and your family all the best.
Amalia Starr