From the random files of autism: Alex is building himself quite a collection of little figures that he has a deep attachment to: dolls, more or less, though some might call them figures or dollhouse people. They’re a multi-cultural collection of professional people, an Hispanic medical professional, a woman with leg braces and a clipboard. An African-American doctor (white coat), serious expression. Photo courtesy of kyz (flickr.com) I hate to think what these things have cost, and as he has clearly filched them from some recreation program, I’ve tried sticking them in his bag with a note that says Sorry! Alex didn’t mean to take these! (Though he most certainly did.) But they don’t always take them back… •  ... [Read more]

While we were waiting for the bus, I said to Alex, “Say, ‘I like sports and fitness!’ ” “No!” Alex replied, shaking his head for emphasis. Photo courtesy of longhorndave (flickr.com) So much for going in with an enthusiastic beginning. Still, we thought it could be fun for Alex to do a little fitness and sports-type stuff in a supportive atmosphere. (Note: his new school is big on this, and we get occasional e-mails from the unit teacher saying how much he likes the gym routines and the therapy balls.) Unfortunately this event took place right near a playground Alex is very fond of, with a gigantic marble slide. As soon as we got there, Alex started asking to go in the playground and go on the slide, and we... [Read more]

Central Park has its Pumpkin Sail this evening, an event the boys enjoy. At dusk you bring your jack-o’-lantern to the park, admire the other lanterns, and then the pumpkins are lit, then launched into the Harlem Meer. You walk around the lake oohing and aahing over the sight of thousands of jack-o’-lanterns flickering over the dark water. Image Courtesy of Dover Publications Two years ago the Sail was canceled because of a gusty wind, so last year we were happy and excited to be going. Today we buy our pumpkins; we’ll carve late in the afternoon when Alex gets home from his recreation program and Ned from sib shop. Every year Alex seems to look forward to Halloween, and it’s satisfying to see him moving in step... [Read more]

I know this is a topic we revisit constantly, but getting Alex to Try Things is an uphill battle. Take cocoa. Delicious, homemade hot cocoa. Nothing better on a cold afternoon when your hands are freezing and you’re hungry and you can’t remember the last time you Photo courtesy of Just SallyRye (flickr.com) felt really warm. Take, for instance, Sunday afternoon, when Jeff and Alex went out to run errands and I stayed home to potter around the house and feel glad I was inside a warm apartment. When they came in, Alex looked chilly and a little unhappy, and I had the inspired idea of making cocoa. It seemed like a natural. He drinks chocolate milk. In fact, he loves chocolate so much he now enjoys chocolate ice cream. What could be... [Read more]

From the Baltimore Sun comes a story on more accommodation for people with autism in public outings. Story opens with a kid who loves movies but rarely gets to go because he makes noises when he gets overwhelmed, according to his tutor. Now he goes to the movies at a Baltimore-area AMC Loews theater that hosts the monthly viewings for autistic children and their families. The lights are turned up a bit; the sound is turned down. No one minds if there’s an occasional shout or scream or comment. Photo courtesy of callme_crochet (flickr.com) The Baltimore area also has restaurants and churches showing an awareness and sensitivity to the autistic population with special services and specially trained staff. In New York City I’m not aware... [Read more]