Day 10
One year ago, Josiah was an active participant in our town’s Challenge Baseball League, willing to step up to the plate each week and knock one out (okay, more like graze one off of the tee) for his team, the Heroes. It only took us 4 years to get him to that point.
The first year mostly he just cried. The second year we bribed him with beads. The third year he tolerated it with lots of encouragement, plenty of praise and a little bit of bead bribery. This year we can’t get the boy to put on his uniform; not the shirt, not the pants, not the socks and most certainly not the shoes.
On opening day, we loaded Josiah with his uniform (hanging on a hanger) into the van for the short drive to the ball park. It was picture day. He would have an individual photo taken, then stand with his team for a group shot. Afterwards, they would play their first game. The parking lot was jammed. Little league players swarmed the ball fields, ready for the new season to begin. Josiah wouldn’t get out of the van.
He grabbed at the van door as it glided open, trying to force it closed. He yanked at his baseball shirt as Rick tried to dress him, pulling it off and throwing it behind him. He wanted nothing to do with baseball that day. In all fairness to Josiah, he had just been sick for a couple of weeks and probably still wasn’t feeling his best. Rick and I were excited for his first day of baseball, but it was quite obvious Josiah was not. Short of dragging the kid out of the car, it clearly was not going to happen. No pictures, no game, no fun!
Game 2 we didn’t even get the uniform in the van. Trying to put the pants on Josiah was a herculean feat we lost very quickly. He was miserable, clawing at the fabric, making very angry vocalizations, furious they were anywhere near him. We decided maybe it made more sense to go to the game as casual observers, in regular clothes, giving Josiah a chance to get familiar with the environment again before expecting him to participate.
His coach agreed it was wise to take it slow. She reminded us baseball was supposed to be a fun experience for Josiah, not something he was forced to do. So we sat in the stands for about 20 minutes, watching from a distance. As Rick sees it, Josiah is on the disabled list right now. Personally, I think that’s his preference.
While his team was having fun on the field, Josiah was having fun in our hair. Maybe it’s time to try bowling.
Oh my goodness – for kiddos that have so many sensory issues / challenges do they HAVE to wear a uniform? I could NEVER see Chad having to wear certain pants, socks or shoes – it wouldn’t happen. I do not mean to sell him short (and I suppose we have to challenge him in order for him to grow) but all the therapy and techniques in the world are not going to eliminate his sensory issues – they help with toleration but won’t completely disappear. We have something called the Miracle League and the players just have a Tshirt. They can wear their own shorts/shoes. Also, you are already behind the eight ball having to go into a park with tons of people and cars etc. Imagine ALL of the sensory stuff he is enduring before he sets foot on the field. Do you think it might make a difference if he could just go in his own clothes and just wear the Tshirt? Also, remember bowling you do have shoes to contend with. Chad tried that this fall and that was my fear before even walking in the place – those shoes ! How are we going to get those on his feet?? By the grace of God and my thankful surprise he put them on 🙂 We still had some challenge keeping them on throughout the games but overall a good experience. Good luck and just keep on rolling 🙂
Good question Heidi. Would make sense to omit the uniforms and just wear a t-shirt. I wonder how many other kids struggle with this uniform issue. We knew it was a gamble attempting to take Josiah to his game, especially opening day with such a large crowd. We were hoping we could stay just long enough for the group picture and get out of there. Josiah had a pretty great season last year. Niavely, we assumed this would be routine for him. Boy were we wrong. But we are learning. Sometimes being removed from a situation sheds light those caught in the middle of it don’t see. I so greatly appreciate your wisdom and insight. I forget that at times, Josiah has intense sensory issues and neglect to make necessary accommodations. So glad Chad is doing well keeping bowling shoes on and enjoying it! I heard from a mother of twins with ASD the other day who told me shoes are not required in the classroom at her boys’ school in New York. We may be moving there soon! : o )