What is Noah Really Thinking?

Yesterday, Shane shared the following story on our Facebook page, and we wanted to post it here as well for those who do not follow Life with Noah on Facebook. We have not changed a word of his original post because it captures one of the many realities of raising a child with Down syndrome who is minimally verbal.

My wife and I often wonder just how much Noah is actually aware of. So many of our interactions with him are met with that familiar blank stare—a look that could mean he’s completely uninterested, genuinely doesn’t understand, or is deliberately pushing our buttons because he knows how insanely frustrating we find that expression.

We’re about 95% sure he knows what’s going on… but there’s always that little voice in the back of our minds wondering if maybe, just maybe, he really doesn’t.

A couple of days ago, I was taking care of a small rust spot on Miriam’s car with a little rust converter and sandpaper. At one point I looked up and noticed Noah quietly watching me. I didn’t think much of it.

Fast forward to tonight.

After supper, I walked past my car and noticed a sanding block lying in the driveway. That immediately caught my attention because I knew I hadn’t used a 60-grit sanding block on Miriam’s car.

My stomach sank and trepidation began to seep in.

A closer look at my car revealed three freshly sanded spots where Noah had apparently decided to… help… by removing nonexistent rust from my taillights and trunk.

It is possible a few not-so-christianly thoughts may have begun swarming their way through my head, .

So, if anyone is wondering whether Noah notices what we’re doing…

He does.

He watches.

And sometimes he learns the exact wrong lesson

Stories like this remind us that one of the greatest challenges, and mysteries, of parenting Noah is trying to understand what he is truly thinking and how much he understands. Many of you who read this blog have a child, sibling, grandchild, student, or friend who is nonverbal or has limited verbal communication. You may have experienced similar moments when you wonder just how much they are observing, understanding, and processing.

Even if you have never been in that situation, you have probably experienced times when you wished you could better understand what someone else was thinking or feeling. We often find ourselves wishing there were a way to know exactly what is going on in Noah's mind.

If you have experienced something similar, discovered strategies that have helped you better understand a loved one with limited verbal communication, or simply have a story you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us on Facebook or email us at [email protected]. Your experiences and insights may encourage not only our family but many others walking a similar path.