So...

Aside from the fact I'm flying in a matter of weeks now, I had a conversation with my sister about our Autistic cousin. He's a sweetheart- I love him. But remembering the few times he was around Lauren, (despite him being older now) he is "all over the place", and really takes no notice of who he might run into/over. And Lauren can't wait to play with him- heck, today she had me print out a picture of a dinosaur to give to him. (Isn't that cute?) I've been trying to explain to her as best (and as simply) as I can, that her cousin is very nice, but that he is Autistic. And that he might not be able to talk to her or play with her the way she would like him to. The insightful little girl she is, she says "but my cousin XXX isn't Autistic- he can talk to me" (referring to my sister's little boy). I smile, and say she's right. Then this morning, we briefly discussed it again. She said "my cousin loves me. Doesn't he mom?" Of course, sweetie! Not sure where I was going with this line of thought, but I said "You know how your brain helps you to think?" (Yes mommy) "Well, your cousin XXX's brain works a little differently." Then imagine my surprise when she said "his brain is like the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz". Um.. ok. Of course our cousin is very intelligent- it's just that his brain functions differently. Anyway.. I'm sure Lauren has this figured out as best she can for a 3 yr old, and when the time comes to meet her cousin, I will just continue to remind her that if he does or says anything that might upset her, that it's "ok". And that she can always play with (my nephew) and our cousin's older sister. She's great with younger kids, and will no doubt appreciate Lauren's obsession with tarantulas. (I guess I just stress over something happening, and her not really being able to understand all this if/when the time comes. Apparently my sister's son - same age as the one who is Autistic - comes away from most gatherings quite upset. It can be a tough situation for everybody.. or at least for the kids).