We do not smoosh our friends

by Kristin
(NY)

My 4yo daughter and 4yo nephew both have SPD - but they are opposites in every way. He's high energy, she's lethargic. He's loud, she's super quiet. He refuses to eat, she crams her mouth full. You get the idea. Needless to say, Aaron is NOT my daughter Rowan's favorite playmate.

Last week, the kids were playing together while the adults finished dinner. My sister has a newborn, and did not notice Aaron's behavior (which was funny, because she is ALWAYS aware of her son and ready to help him - he's got Asbergers too). So, in the normal course of things, this story probably would not have happened...

I glanced over at Rowan, who was stretched out on her tummy "reading" a book. Aaron noticed her at the same time, and rushed over to read with her. Of course, the best place to read is right below the book. So my nephew lays down on HIS tummy - right on top of my daughter. And they read that way for a full minute - no complaints from my daughter, who LOVES cushion sandwiching. Then my sister finally notices what's going on and says "Aaron - we do NOT smoosh our friends!" By now I'm laughing out loud. She looks at me and say that they've been having this problem at his preschool - apparently, Aaron REALLY likes to smoosh his friends. But then my daughter pipes up with "It's okay!" and that was it for me! I almost fell off my chair, I was laughing so hard. It was so great to see the kids finally get along - and all because they both have SPD!