When my son was younger, his world revolved around one thing: the colour blue.
For most people, a favorite colour is just that, a preference, a small detail in the fabric of their personality. But for my son, who is autistic, blue was so much more. It was an obsession, a source of comfort, and at times, a challenge that shaped how he interacted with the world.
Before he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at five years old, I didn’t have the language to explain his behavior to others, or even to myself. All I knew was that blue held a special place in his heart, and anything that wasn’t blue simply didn’t belong in his world.
The Challenges of a Blue-Obsessed World
Taking him out to play often became an ordeal. If there was a blue block, cup, or toy in sight, it had to be his. He would cling to it with an intensity that others didn’t understand. If another child dared to touch it or if we couldn’t find something blue, it would often lead to meltdowns.
To the outside world, his behavior seemed "naughty". People would stare, whisper, or even offer unhelpful advice, assuming I couldn’t control my child. What they didn’t see was the internal struggle he was facing. Blue wasn’t just a colour for him; it was his anchor in a world that often felt overwhelming and chaotic.
As a parent, it broke my heart to see him judged for something he couldn’t help. But without a diagnosis at the time, I didn’t have the words, or the understanding—to advocate for him properly.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
When he was finally diagnosed with ASD at age five, it was like a puzzle piece clicking into place. Suddenly, his love for blue and his intense reactions made sense. It wasn’t just a phase or a quirk; it was a part of how his brain processed the world.
That diagnosis was a turning point for both of us. It gave me the tools to understand him better and to explain his behavior to others. More importantly, it gave me the confidence to advocate for his needs without shame or embarrassment.
Lessons Learned from Blue
Looking back, my son’s obsession with blue taught me so much, not just about autism, but about patience, empathy, and the importance of embracing differences.
• Perspective is everything. What looked like “naughty” behavior to others was really my son’s way of coping in a world that often didn’t make sense to him.
• Advocacy matters. Once I had the words to explain his needs, I found that most people were more understanding than I expected.
• Celebrate what makes them unique. Blue isn’t just a colour to us anymore; it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come.
Moving Forward
Today, my son is older, and while blue still holds a special place in his heart, his world has expanded. He’s taught me to see the world through his eyes, and I’m so grateful for that perspective.
For any parent navigating a similar journey, I want you to know this: You are not alone. Your child’s quirks and challenges don’t define them—they are part of what makes them beautifully unique.
And if the world doesn’t understand right away? That’s OK. You are your child’s greatest advocate, and the more we share our stories, the more understanding we create.
Blue will always remind me of where we started—and just how far we’ve come.