Here is my "lady's man". He looooves women. Tall, short, dark hair, blonde hair, all shapes and sizes. If you flash him a smile, he's all yours for a quick tickle with a giggle. You could argue that this is true for most children and I would tend to agree. What makes it unique for Gabe, I believe, is that his flirtatiousness comes as a surprise and it will be what saves him. It sets him apart from the limited diagnosis he was given. It sets him apart at his school, at the doctor's office and therapy. His flirtatiousness = Hope from people outside the diagnosis= hope for Gabe.
We all have a need for closeness, to bond, share experiences with someone and children make those experiences so easy. They give hugs, kisses and smiles in return for the smallest things. Gabe brings a pleasant surprise when you hear his diagnosis of Autism. Many people envision the limited scope of Autism to be a person hidden within a shell of themselves, nothing more. Gabe's interactive, smiles and is engaging. He breaks the stereotypes that the "Big A" carries with it. In fact, we have been asked by some of Gabe's specialists (not Autism Specialists) if he was Autistic, because he is such a flirt. "Oh yes." "He fits other criteria," I respond. But, how wonderful his smile is.
I think his love of women began with him and I spending hours and hours together learning ABA through the initial ABA program. We bonded closer than I ever thought we would. There were also 10 great female therapists in that program that he swooned. Then it grew to include our wonderful speech teacher Dr. Karen ( Sometimes I wonder if he would rather go home with her!) . Now that he goes to a private ABA school, that's filled to the brim with awesome female therapists, the attention is endless. He spends his time there working hard with women willing to snatch a quick tickle, hug or kiss. He has learned early how to use the gift that God gave him. He manages to get a little more time, a little more attention and a little more love. When it is all said and done, that can add up to a lot.
