Comments on: A Visit to Mars

By: Institutionalization Wasn’t So Long Ago

Institutionalization Wasn’t So Long Ago — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:25:54 +0000

[...] woman I spoke to at the birthday party yesterday told me that her brother had been institutionalized at the Cambridge State Hospital. Originally [...]

By: Daisy

Daisy — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:52:28 +0000

So wonderful to meet someone who recognized and appreciated Charlie for who he is, specialness and all. My son’s bus driver shared with him that she has a daughter with Asperger’s. He appreciated knowing that — and so do we.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:50:23 +0000

It would definitely not have been our choice! The birthday honoree had wanted to be at a place with video games.

Ah yes, but surely “autism” didn’t exist back then so how could anyone be said to have it……. The woman told me her brother was institutionalized at the age of 8.

By: Niksmom

Niksmom — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 14:32:36 +0000

Such poignancy amidst the mundane. I’m glad to read about how well Charlie handled it and how you and Jim (always) honor his needs and give him the space to have them. Out of this world, indeed.

By: Emily

Emily — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 14:12:00 +0000

But people didn’t “get” autism back then? I’m being a smart-ass, of course. You never said that’s what this woman’s brother had.

I’m glad you and Charlie and Jim got to go out and that he seems to have taken it all in and taken it all well. I don’t care how old you are, birthday cakes bring smiles, even to the maturing pre-teen.

That restaurant sounds like one of my worst nightmares. I can’t stand places like that…not for my kids, but for ME. It overwhelms me in short order.