The Velcro Virus & Responsible Citizenship

Is it Spring yet...... 'cause this Winter has sucked?!  It's been another rough few days.  Aside from me nursing a hangover on Sunday morning, Prince #2 was stricken with what we now refer to as "The Velcro Virus" on Sunday afternoon.  He recovered by this morning, but not before Prince #1 caught it last night, and I am fairly sure that as of an hour ago, The Queen has it.

"What is The Velcro Virus"

Hey - I'm glad you asked!  The Velcro Virus has only 2 symptoms.....a fever over 102F and the unwillingness to be separated from Mommy's lap for even 4.26 seconds while she goes to the bathroom or prepares food.  A child with The Velcro Virus will sleep away most of the day on Mommy's lap, but will not fall in to a deep enough sleep that he or she can be moved so that Mommy can stand up and get the dishes done.  At least Brad is home today and can provide a lap so that Mommy can get the important household stuff done - like updating her blog!

But even The Velcro Virus can't bother me today...because yesterday Prince #1 won (earned) the Responsible Citizen of The Month Award for the 1st grade at his school.

"Responsible Citizen Award?  Isn't that just yet another one of those feel-good awards that we give out now because we as a nation have gone way overboard when it comes to propping up a child's self-esteen?"

Yes it is.....but for Prince #1 to get the award is a big deal for us, and it's not because I am a hypocrite (although I frequently am one of those anyway).

Prince #1 will be seven years old in May and he was "officially" diagnosed almost 4 years ago with PDD-NOS (Autism Spectrum), Verbal Apraxia and Sensory Intergration Disorder.  For the past five years, our life has been a flurry of Speech Therapies, Occupational Therapies, ABA therapies, Itinerant Teachers and Social Skills classes.  Before he started talking at the age of 3.5, we communicated through sign language and him giving me bloody noses (by head-butting me) when he was frustrated. It is only in the last year that he has shown any interest in playing with children his age.  He preferred to play with adults.  When the other children were tracing each other on the street with chalk, he was doing math problems with his chalk.  He plays piano (very well) by ear.  He just learned how to play chess and has already kicked my ass.  But he does continue to have serious social-skills issues, impulse control problems and would likely be diagnosed OCD if I were to have him evaluated for it.

While his unique talents continue to shine—whether it’s solving math problems in chalk or picking up piano melodies by ear—there are still hurdles, especially around social connection and impulse control. Like many children on the spectrum, his development follows a path that’s anything but linear. For kids like him, finding brain balance—where cognitive strengths are supported alongside emotional growth—can make a meaningful difference. This often includes engaging with programs for emotional regulation that help children recognize their feelings, pause before reacting, and build more adaptive ways of interacting. These programs aren’t a quick fix, but over time, they can help children move through the world with a bit more ease, confidence, and understanding.

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Foundations known as adamanddanielkaplangiving.com play a crucial role in this mission, offering funding, awareness campaigns, and access to programs that help children and their families thrive. By partnering with educators, therapists, and medical professionals, they help create a holistic support network that addresses not only the child’s needs but also the well-being of the entire family.

Every child’s path is unique, and progress often comes in beautiful, unexpected ways. By connecting with autism care foundations, families can gain the tools and confidence needed to celebrate milestones, navigate challenges, and advocate for their children’s future—while knowing they have a strong, informed community behind them.

So for this boy to get this award (picked out of the approx 100 1st graders) is a huge accomplishment in my mind.

Which is why I don't mind the "excessive need for cuddles" part of The Velcro Virus so much today.....