Silverware

As you've seen in some of my other posts, Aaron has certain things that he does the same way every time he engages in that activity.  The way he makes his bed - remember The Order of the Covers post.  The way he cuts coupons; the way he says goodnight; the way he wears his watch; the lists he keeps - on and on.  The insistence on sameness that Asperger's individuals exhibit is certainly a part of his life. 

This fact is definitely seen whenever Aaron eats.  It doesn't matter what the menu is for Aaron - he will ALWAYS make sure that he has a spoon, a fork, and a knife.  Sometimes two spoons, for some reason.  I don't care if he's having soup - he will get up from the table, open the silverware drawer, and get a knife and a fork before he will eat the soup - with a spoon, of course. 

One day I fixed him one of his favorites - a quesadilla, which is finger food!   And notice the silverware:

Just this week he ate the last piece of Apple Pie for breakfast, as well as celery with peanut butter.  Weird, I know, but he was happy.  I gave him his pie with a fork on the plate.  Sure enough, when I went back into the kitchen he was up out of his chair, walked to the drawer, and got his knife and spoon.

He didn't use them but he wants them there just the same.  We tell him that he doesn't need them but it makes no difference - he will have them there by his plate.  Some things are not worth fighting.


But I sure am glad to have a dishwasher for all that silverware!