National Autism Awareness Month, April 2011

As I am sure that you are aware, April is National Autism Awareness Month. I wished that we had this back in ’81 when Nathaniel was diagnosed. Unfortunately we didn’t and those of us who now have autistic adults yearn for what might have been. Looking at the video I posted here (sorry for the quality, but it was on 8mm tape) it’s a wonder that we didn’t feel concerned about Nathaniel. It’s pretty clear which child would eventually be recognized as autistic. In ’81 we had to pass through hoops to get Nathaniel the proper education as mandated by Title 9. He was “special ed” but not necessarily autistic, so class sizes were not taken into consideration and teachers did not have the proper training. My wife and I ended up taking Nathaniel to the Kennedy Center at Johns Hopkin (yes, Johns) University. With the diagnosis in hand, we got the education he needed. All we needed was a trained teacher. For that, we obtained a grant to a special center in North Carolina and sent one of the special ed teachers. We were on our way. Read more!

Autistic student wanders off

This news video really cuts to the chase for those who have kids that can not speak. Read more!

A new movie to come out

I have just heard about a new movie that will come out in late April. It's called "Fly Away" and concerns a mother bringing up her autistic child into adulthood. It might be worth watching when it comes out. And remember that April is Autism Awareness Month. Read more!

A New Care Provider

Late last month Nathaniel went through one of those harrowing experiences that we have come to dread. He got a new weekend care provider. As parents of autistic children and adults know, change does not come easy. At one point in Nathaniel’s live he “worked” his way through change by twirling his hair until he yanked out some of it, pinched the back of his neck until it bled (he still has the scars to prove it) or simply bit his arm, all apparent coping mechanisms for managing change. So we prepared ourselves. It is somewhat more different when our son is at a distance from us. Of course, being there you feel the pain almost as much as they do. After all, its like watching your child being tortured even though he is the one ding the torturing. But at least you feel like you can help sooth the pain with hugs and kisses (and distractions). At a distance, you are at a loss as to what to do. All you can really do is wait for the phone calls to come. Fortunately Nathaniel went through this change pretty well. As an adult, he has found other coping mechanisms that allay the panic, usually in the form of excessive arm flapping and sweat. Once realizing that he can just go into his own room without interference, he finds his own space, one that is comforting even though we wish we could help in that comfort. Read more!