I Wonder What People Know About Autism

A few weeks ago, I was sitting here thinking “I sit here and talk about how I want to educate people about autism, but I wonder, what do they already think about it?” So rather than sit and think some more, I took action, put together a short list of four questions and posed them to my friends and family (and some random “tweeps”) on Twitter and Facebook. This blog post compiles their responses to those questions and my responses and comments to some questions/answers that were gathered. I’d like to first thank everyone who participated (over 20 people) and gave permission for me to use their comments.

My first question was:

“1. Do you know someone who is autistic? a. If so, what is the age of that person?”

I was pleased to see that the majority of the answers to this question was that yes, most people knew someone who was autistic (82%). Even more surprising was the number of adult autistic people that people were familiar with (8). The diagnosis of autism prior to the last ten years was not as common as it has become lately, so this was rather surprising for me to see. The average age of those known were teenagers, with the youngest being 4 and the oldest being in the late 40's.

The second question asked was:

“2. What percentage of children today do you think are diagnosed with autism? (no looking it up!)”

Out of 22 respondents, 6 people got this answer correct (or close enough to correct that I gave them credit), which is just less than 1%, or 1 in 110 children. The surprising part of this question for me was that of all those surveyed, 50% of the answers thought that more than 10% of all children born today were diagnosed with autism.

While the first two questions were more about facts, the last two are more about interpretation and personal experience. This is where I really asked people to be honest and I got what I asked for (and appreciated it more than you know).

The third question I asked was:

“In your own words, what does “autism” mean to you?”

The response I liked the best was “Someone who is highly intelligent but sometimes 'in their own world,' making it hard for them to concentrate, interact with others, and be considered socially 'normal' (air quotes intended)”.

Some people put their own personal spin on the question (which is just what I asked for):

“To me autism means someone who sees the world a little differently, someone who notices the details that other people look past and someone who likes things to be a certain way. Someone who may be a little awkward with other people but someone who rewards you by giving back 10 times more love and friendship when you make that little extra effort to get to know them.”

“To me autism means different behaviors for each individual. it does mean that each individual is not functional, it just means that they have a different learning style. Some are more vocal than others, while some have repetitive behavior. It also means preparation to me. It is quite common that a child with autism is unable to be gainfully employed, to have a relationship, and may need some assistance in monitoring their funds for future use, with access to state assisted programs.”

“Autism means to me a person that just has a missing link. Most of the children I have known in the past are highly intelligent. They just have a hard time socially.”

One friend was honest in the fact that they weren’t always sure that they knew that “normal” children were like: “Honestly, I don't know how to articulate it. As someone who's never been a fan of small, colorful children, I find that I'm oddly more comfortable with autistic kids even though I have no idea what I'm getting myself into most times. Or rather, what's going to come my way at any given time. But maybe that's just me getting older and more laid back with kids.”

Some more clinical definitions: “Autism is a socio-developmental disorder characterized by an inability or difficulty in effective, meaningful communication with others, coupled with repetitive behavior patterns.”

“Autism is a disorder that primarily affects communication and interaction, may also be accompanied by speech delay and/or other developmental delays and by sensory sensitivities, and which affects the ability to function to varying extents and degrees.“

“The person's brain is wired in such a way so that they do not interact with society in the way the majority people would.”

“Autism is a disorder which affects the learning and development of someone. Someone can be autistic but be high functioning but it could also really affect them.”

One person explains about the differences in the spectrum: “I know “autism” is broad and covers a whole spectrum. There’s “high-functioning”, which are the folks who can speak and learn new tasks differently from the rest of us. But when I hear “autism”, I generally think of those who are ritualistic and fixated on certain objects or subject areas and have a very strict method for doing things. For example, the 6-year-old I mentioned earlier has a very specific way of putting his toys away. It consists of a pile and there’s a method to how the toys get stacked in that pile. It can be very time consuming for him and his mother, but it’s part of his nightly ritual.”

Simply put: “To me it signifies problems with communication and relating emotionally.”

Some positive perspectives were also given:

“Autism means a person who has some learning difficulties and social interactions may be difficult for them, I view autism as an additional obstacle but not necessarily one that can not be over come.”

“Children who react to over-stimulation by withdrawing within themselves but who may have a special skill set that takes some time to show.”

“I don't look at something is wrong with them. I just look at as they see the world differently.”

“I've never thought about that. I was raised to believe that everyone is the same but some of us 'learn' at a different pace.”

One respondent noted that “It is a very disturbing trend that seems to be growing larger.”

An interesting observation was made by one person in that: “"Autism" means to me someone that is quiet, and has problems communicating with others. A person who prefers to do activities by themselves rather than in groups. This can be both Adult and children. I do not think "Autism" has age limits.”

The last question I asked was a selfish one:

“4. Give an example of something you could do to help out a parent of an autistic child.”

I asked this question because as a parent of an autistic child, sometimes there is nothing more I would love than for someone to acknowledge that my son DOES face obstacles. And you know what? It’s damn exhausting as a parent. Any parent of a special needs child, no matter what that child has, will tell you that. I know that I’m lucky because my son is highly functioning and is relatively a good kid, but catch me on a day when he’s having a rough time and you probably wouldn’t recognize me. A bad day for him equals a horrendous day for me. So I asked this question to educate the masses.

Take the time to read the answers. The next time you have a free night and can spare it, take one of these ideas and put it into motion for someone you know. Trust me, the person who’s life you touch will thank you a million times for that little thought of kindness.

“For some parents I babysit and hang out with the child. For those I am not close with I can assist in obtaining state benefits, especially title XIX for older children, and Special needs Trusts for younger children so they are capable of living a full long life taking some of the stress from the parent.”

“Not look at that parent and just think they don't know how to discipline their child. Every child deserves to be at a restaurant, church, carnival. Some children have a hard time with these situations, but we can smile at the parent and be proud of them that they expose their child to all the wonders that they deserve!!”

“I have invited parents of autistic kids to speak to my police officers to help them understand how to handle calls with them better. This also gives the parents a better understanding on how we operate.”

“I would try to help by learning more about that parent's routine and redirection methods, and engaging both the parent and child regardless of the behavioral context or situation.”

“Listen and offer support. Know it isn't always easy and that they may be focused on other things.”

“Depending on the situation:

me as a non parent: treat the child as a human for a start - not as a moving doll, have more patience with them

me as a parent with a child the same age: encourage my child to play with him, to have more patience with him and to see past any disability.”

“Give them a hug. Offer to help (every parent needs a night off!) Get involved. Learn more about autism.”

“Well, beyond being willing to listen and donating to autism research/charities, I think the most helpful thing one can do is educate themselves. You can't treat any condition without first understanding what it is. While I do think offers to help baby sit and the like are noble, unless one has experience working with autistic children, I feel this could go awry.”

“I think the best you can do for the parent of an autistic child to treat them the same as any other parent, every child has ups and downs, tantrums and their own idiosyncrasies. Being there and listening when they need it just as you would with any friend and making sure that they feel loved and supported when ignorant people judge them.”

“Be there to support the friend, or help when they need something. I have found that people with children, with or with out disabilities or diseases, really just need support and someone willing to help them every now and then.”

“Give them time in their own home so child is comfortable in routine and spell the parents to allow them to get things done.”

“Be understanding. Watch the child once a week so. They can go out and enjoy something.”

“Spend time with the child so that the parent can have some respite. Spend time with the child and the parent, and include them in a fun activity. Make them feel as "normal" as possible.”

“Allow my child to be their child's friend and encourage such friendship.”

“From reading your past blog post I learned it's better to ask questions regarding autism then to assume something.” (THANK YOU!)

“Treat them the same as a parent of any other child (inclusion-wise); ask questions (out of children's earshot) to help gain a better understanding.”

“Listen to them.”

“Learn the different aspects of autism. All autistic children aren't the same. This is something that I never knew. Not every person with autism is Rain Man.”

“I think the most important thing would be support and the willingness to learn more about the effects of autism on both the child and the parent(s).”

“First, better educate myself on "Autism." Then making sure others around that family understands about it also. Next, I would offer support to the parents and family involved. Making sure that they know they are not alone, and there is help for them.”

Thank you for reading this. It means a lot to me. And to Lex. And thank you again to everyone who contributed to the content

The Lure of the Sports Fan's Road Trip

Last year, it was seeing the Yankees play in Chicago against the Cubs.

This year, it's seeing the Yankees play in Kansas City against the Royals.

Hell yes.

Some of you may not understand this. The excitement over spending money to go to a city I'm unfamiliar with, to go to a stadium I've never been in, to watch a team I've seen play day after day, play against a team that's not really anything special (sorry Royals fans) may seem pointless and kind of stupid.

But to anyone who has been on a road trip strictly to watch your favorite sports team play, you get it. You understand my excitement. The thrill of entering a new ballpark that you've never seen. Trying a new "signature" food that you just have to have. Exploring the city in your "non-game" time.

This KC trip is four days long for me, and includes a game every single day. I simply can not wait. The thought of that much baseball in such a compressed amount of time excites me beyond belief. And the fact that I'm going to get to go with my friends just makes me even more excited.

As I'm writing this, I think there are about six of my friends who will be joining me in Kansas City, not counting my girlfriend who I'm staying with. Last year in Chicago, there were over a dozen of us who ended up congregating and enjoying each other's company for baseball, food, sights, and way too much booze. I'm betting this year's trip will be just as much fun as last year's and I can't wait to find out.

I. Can't. Wait.

How To Be Lex's Mom's Friend

One thing I've noticed in the past few years, especially since my son's autism diagnosis, is that I have come to rely on my friends more and more than I ever have. Many people did not realize that right around the time of my son's diagnosis, I also was going through a separation which then lead to divorce. Even less known was that I lost contact with some of my closest friends at this time, due to both of these events.

So here I was, venturing into a new phase of my life, pretty much on my own, with only my family and some old friends to support me. I was lucky enough to meet some new friends though within a short while and this was a very good thing for me, and have grown those friendships into ones that are near and dear to my heart to this day.

This made me stop and think. How can I help people be a better friend to me when it comes to Lex, since my life is a little, well, different? So here we go:

1. Ask me about Autism. I once had a friend tell me "I don't know much about autism, can you tell me if there's anything I need to know before I meet him?" This touched me because that friend actually took the time to let me know that they wanted to make sure that they didn't do anything "wrong". Ask. I will be happy to answer any questions you have. No question is too simple or too complex. If I don't have the answer, there are websites I can direct you to that will help.
2. Ask me about Lex. Ask anyone and they will tell you, I'm insanely in love with my son. I will brag about him from here to the moon. Every little improvement he makes, I would love to tell you about. Just listen. If you know me, I love to talk. I'm a New Yorker, remember?
   
3. Invite us to things. One of the hardest things for me is that Lex doesn't have many friends outside of his daycare. Because both his father and I work, we don't socialize with the other parents in his preschool class and he doesn't get invited for playdates. Upon his diagnosis, I saw a quick decline in our inclusion in social events. Nothing hurts more than being excluded because people are afraid of something they don't understand, and especially when they take it out on a kid who has no idea that he's the one being punished.
4. Don't assume or generalize. Many people think that Lex won't like something because they heard that autistic kids don't like that. That doesn't work because not all autistic children are the same. There is a autism spectrum and children can fall anywhere upon it, both on the low end and the high end. This means that they can be low or high functioning. Lex is actually on the low end of the spectrum which means he is high functioning.
   
5. Please don't tell me you are sorry. I don't need your pity. I need your love and support. I'm proud of my son. The strides he has made with the challenges he has faced are pretty simply amazing.
   
6. Be understanding if I don't see you often. I may not always have free time, but when I do, I love to live it up and get out. If you have spent any time with me, you definitely know this. But when I'm home with Lex, it's all about Lex. I like to plan fun things to do with him, but my motto is that if Lex is here, "it's always about Lex". I don't have a babysitter here in CT, so I spend a lot of time home in front of my computer at night, hence my Twitter "family".

I'm sure there is more, but for now, that's all I can think of. I love my friends and my family. You all mean the world to me. And maybe this will help me expand that world just a little bit more.

Lex and I welcome you to our world. And to put it simply - it rocks.

Lex and the "Pushbutton"

After watching the 60 Minutes segment last night on "Apps for Autism", I realized how happy I am for the invention of the touchscreen iPod/iPhone/iPad suite of products and what a difference it has made to the Autism community as a whole.

The story about the young man with autism using the iPad to use PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) to communicate when he used to be non verbal touched me dramatically. Lex's second form of communication (first was sign language) was using the PECS pictures. His therapists who came to daycare, twenty hours a week from the age of two to three, laminated approximately 50-70 different pictures and velcro'd them in a book to make him communicate his wants and needs and he took to it like a fish to water. It made us realize that he knew a lot more than we actually thought he did. It was the first time he was able to tell us specifically what he needed (such as a specific food or drink or what he wanted to play with).

Watching the segment, the thing that caught my attention and hit home the most was the focus on the inability of autistic children and adults to look people in the eyes when communicating with them. This is one of Lex's main issues that I try very hard to work with him on. With the use of the iPhone, Lex and I use the FaceTime program to video chat with my parents every other day. When we started using the phone for this about ten months ago, Lex would never look at the phone. While he still isn't looking at them 100%, he is much less distracted now and will occasionally make eye contact. He will always do so though if he knows that they are watching him perform a task, such as pouring water over his head in the bathtub which makes them laugh, and will always watch for their reaction.

The comments that the therapists and parents made on the segment about how autistic children had the vocabulary but just couldn't share it also rang true. The use of the iPad to help bring out that knowledge was eye opening for some that watched the program that I talked to. At school, Lex gets 9-12 new vocabulary words a week, along with a picture to associate with the written word. At the end of the school year last year, I decided to test Lex on all of his vocabulary words, which were over 350 words. Not only did he know every one of them, he could use them in associated manners, such as "The helicopter flies in the sky" and "the bus drives in the road". This from a kid who at two years old could say 7 words. Seven.

The use of iPads for school children was also focused on, and there was a bit of discussion on the difference between the kids being fascinated by the technology and actually learning to communicate. Personally, I think that if the children are showing enthusiasm and a tendency to work more if using the iPads, then it is totally worth the investment. I hope that more programs embrace the implementing of technology in the classroom and that more non-profits start donating iPads to schools because we all know that there is a big issue with budget, even for special needs programs.

Two years ago, I won a charity auction for a iPod touch, thinking how I'd love to have this cool new technology. Little did I know that a month after I brought it home, my son would commandeer it. From the minute he got his hands on it, he was obsessed. I realized quickly not only did he teach himself how to open the apps, but also how to get back to the home screen and flip back and forth between pages. I quickly searched for educational apps for him and loaded them up for him. Then I just sat back and watched in amazement. The kid just taught himself everything. To this day, I have never taught him how to use one app on the iPod. From tangrams to Angry Birds to Flash Cards to Piano Teacher....he's mastered them all (including Angry Birds, he kicks my ass). For fun, he watches educational videos on YouTube, using the "Favorites" category to mark his Thomas the Tank Engine sing a longs and random Japanese Sesame Street dubbed episodes (don't ask me how he finds them, but they make him laugh hysterically and he loves watching it).

So whenever you hear me joke about Lex asking for the "pushbutton", now you might understand a bit better about the benefits these types of technology can have for kids and adults like him. Any way to make communication happen is a wonderful thing for these people who previously were "lost" to the world. Donate to your schools if you can. Find out if they have iPads and if they do, donate an iTunes gift card because "Apps for Autism" aren't cheap. The PECS app alone is $185.

As always, thanks for reading.

Focusing on the Positive

No, I'm not going to rehash the last 24 hours. It's not worth it. Instead, I'm going to write about the outpouring of love and support I have received from family and friends.

Believe it or not, I always had trouble making close friends. I have two girlfriends that I grew up with that to this day I still consider my best friends. My church friends that I grew up with are also extremely important to me, even though I don't get to see them very often. I have my college friends, and my extended college friends known as my Worcester friends. I don't have many friends at work, save for a few, including one who I call my best friend I never see. And now I have the group that I call my "Twitter" friends, even though the majority of them I now actually KNOW in real life.

And then there is my family, which includes my immediate family, my extended family and my "not really" family, which includes people who have known me since I was born. Most of us are Greek. This means we are in each others business all the time. And that's the way it is and we all love it.

I have NEVER, EVER experienced a level of friendship and love than I have in the last few months. First, after a post I wrote in honor of Autism Awareness month, regarding my journey with my son. The second, was after a second blog post about a rough weekend I had. The last, and most touching, was after a personal attack.

Between Twitter, text messages and Facebook, I have seen the love that people have for Lex and I. From comments about how I'm a great mom to how people know that Lex is a wonderful little boy. I've been through a lot the past few years. I had some highs and lows. And boy, did I have my lows. But things are finally coming around. And I don't care what anyone else says, I could not have done it without support. Support from all of you.

I hope you know that I appreciate everything that you have done for me. It may have been something as simple as introduce me to geeky TV shows that you know I'd love, or telling me I'll never spend a birthday alone again. It could have been telling me that you won't feel bad for me because you know that there is nothing wrong with my son. It was you inviting me to a concert or a baseball game. Including me in your plans with other people. Taking a chance on a new friend. Having your son tell me that he thinks of Lex as a little brother. Asking about your godson. Telling me that you are proud of how good a mother I am. Sending me info about the newest Autism research, products and ideas for helping Lex. Donating to Autism causes in Lex's name or just supporting Autism research in general. Telling me that you are so glad we became friends. Letting me know every day how much you love me. And Lex.

This is only a short list. There is so much more. But I'll run out of room if I put it all down.

With all the negative in the last week, I decided that it was a waste of my time to dwell on it anymore. Negativity breeds negativity. I'm done with that. I'm focusing on the positive. And that positive is all of you. Thank you.

It's your loss. Not ours.

Not once.

Not twice.

But three times in two days.

That's how many times someone said something hurtful about Lex without being aware of who Lex is.

The first incident pretty much killed any fun I might have had at my home church's Greek festival this weekend. Lex was absolutely loving the rides at the festival. My kid has no fear. He went on anything he was tall enough to ride and was upset at those he wasn't allowed to go on. On one of the rides, a simple merry go round of cars and motorcycles, Lex chose to ride a cool bike. The operator of the ride came over and told him "No standing up and no dragging your feet." I quickly tried to reiterate these facts to Lex, knowing he may not have been paying attention. The ride started and Lex was loving it. In his excitement, he stood up, still tethered on, only 3 inches off the seat. I saw this and immediately yelled at him to sit down. I then walked over to the operator to tell him that Lex is autistic and may not understand the instructions, in order to make the operator understand that Lex wasn't purposely disobeying his request. I understand that Lex didn't follow the rules, but what happened next blew my mind. The operator said with obvious disdain "That's no excuse."

The second incident happened this morning in Ikea, which for some reason is Lex's absolute favorite store. I think it's because of the bright colors and open floor plan that welcomes trying out all the furniture. We were walking around the marketplace, so instead of running around, Lex was in the cart. Lex saw an elevator and wanted to go up it. I explained to him that there was a yellow tape across it which meant it was broken. In his little boy "my mommy can fix everything" voice, he said "So fix it!" I tried explaining that I couldn't and he got upset and started to have a meltdown. While I was trying to calm him down and explain, there was a couple behind me who were talking to each other in Greek. From the phrases I was able to interpret, I made out some not so nice things they were saying about Lex and myself. There is only one way to interpret "bad child". And the tone that everything was said in was absolutely like you would expect when badmouthing someone, but thinking they have no idea what you are saying. When I had finally had enough, I turned around, looked them square in the eye and said "Signomi?!" which in Greek means "excuse me". They were completely flustered and stalked off in the opposite direction.

The last episode happened tonight at dinner. This is my last day with Lex for a few days, as I'm off on a business trip tomorrow to Montreal, so I took him out to eat. We went to our favorite local restaurant where the waitresses all know us by face and name. Lex and I sat down, we talked about what we were going to eat, and we were both in good spirits. After we ordered and got our drinks, he asked me for the "push button" which is what he calls my iPod. I eagerly gave it to him, as I know that can keep him quiet and happy. I have it loaded with educational games, some fun Sesame Street videos and of course, lots of Thomas the Tank Engine episodes. At the table across from us, I hear a woman sitting with her husband comment about how I gave my son "some game to shut him up so I wouldn't have to deal with him." She went on to talk about me and my apparently appalling parenting skills. She also commented on how I was trying to get the Yankees game on the tv (the waitress gave me the remote because she knew I wanted to watch). At this point, I swear, I just about had it. I was ready to stand up and just start yelling. But believe it or not, I used Twitter as my outlet and cooler heads prevailed. Our food came and Lex ate like a champ, which doesn't always happen.

But this time, revenge was sweet. Another waitress came over, one of the owner's daughters, and said to me "I can't believe how big he is! And what a good boy he has been tonight! Way to eat all your food, Lex!!" I turned and looked DIRECTLY at the ignorant woman and said "Yeah, for an autistic kid, he's pretty awesome." I swear, her jaw dropped to the floor at my brazenly directed comment to her. Not 5 minutes later, she asked for the check and they were out the door, with half their food still on their plates.

So why did I write this, other than obviously needing to get it off my chest?

It's all about awareness, people.

My brother had some bracelets made and gave me one last night. It's a simple white bracelet. On the outside it says "Autism Awareness" and "Hope". On the inside, it has my son's name. Just be aware. Think before you comment on someone else's child. You may not know the whole story. And chances are, that other person heard you. If I was a weaker person, this could have sent me into hysterics. But the sad part is, it happens all the time. But don't be fooled, I hurt. Sometimes worse than I may let on. But that's why I don't hide my son's diagnosis. I try to educate where I can.

And as I tweeted my final words on Twitter on the subject, I will copy them here:

"It comes down to this. My kid is awesome in his own way. If you don't get to experience that, it's your loss. Not ours."

(A special thank you to those of you who supported me through these incidents. Your support meant more than you may know.)

7 words

"7 words."

This was my answer when the pediatrician asked me at Lex's 2 year old check up how many words he knew. He then proceeded to tell me that he should have 200 words. I had no idea there was any issue, as Lex is a happy kid, and never really complained. So this prompted more questions and concerns. After a few consultations with experts, a conclusion was reached.

My son has a severe speech delay and is mildly autistic.

And I thank God every day that this conclusion was reached.

Because of the diagnosis, my son is eligible for special education services from the State. Being under the age of three at the time of diagnosis allowed him to receive 20 hours of speech therapy at daycare a week. And the State covered most of the cost. His diagnosis also granted him the opportunity to attend school the DAY he turned three years old. And not just a few hours a week. He takes the "big bus" with his friends from daycare and attends almost an entire day. He gets half a day of inclusion with "typical" children and other special needs kids in a preschool classroom and half a day of one on one speech and other types of therapy.

Where he lays on the spectrum, I'm not positive, as everything seems to improve as his speech improves. I am blessed to have a family that supports and accepts him, as well as many friends and loved ones who love him like I do. My parents and brother attend Autism fundraising events in NY whenever they can. My son's father and I volunteer for different events around us. I have a girlfriend with a son also on the Spectrum who always lets me know about anything new that she learns that her son responds well to. I have family members that also have children on the Spectrum who helped me through the initial diagnosis by answering all my questions and offering non-judgemental advice.

Life isn't always roses with a child on the Spectrum. Tantrums can come quickly, but I have learned how to deal with them (a lollipop can always staunch the crying). He doesn't do well in crowds. A visit to church on Palm Sunday turned into a disaster when a visiting priest didn't understand Lex's discomfort and chastised me for not being able to "control my son".

Pity angers me. My son is autistic. I can say this with no issue. Don't feel bad for me. I accept and embrace it. Don't treat him like a leper. He is a 4 year old boy who just wants to be a kid. While he may not be able to tell you exactly what you want to hear, he can show you. Although these days, the words are coming quicker and more often, which is amazing to see.

I have seen both the negative and positive sides of having a child diagnosed as on the Autism Spectrum.

On one hand, there have been people who have been afraid of this diagnosis, who feel bad for me, who tell me they are sorry, who pity me. To be honest, I feel bad for these people because they tend to shy away from inviting my son and I to their house or invite us to events. They are the ones missing out on Lex's infectious giggles and loving nature. They miss out on his quick bonding with people and his boundless energy. They miss out on his absolute love for all things "Thomas the Tank Engine" and his ability to tell you the names of over 50 trains. It saddens me to think about the friends I have lost because they are not aware of the broadness and intricacies of Autism. It angers me when I think about comments made to me that were meant to be supportive, but were just hurtful. I tried to not take it personally, but I failed. Miserably. I lost many friends who didn't know how to handle my son's diagnosis.

But on the other hand, I have other friends who have not let Lex's diagnosis get in the way of them getting to know him. One of my favorite things I've ever done with my son is taking him to a indoor waterpark resort with my girlfriend Megan and her son, Jack. I have NEVER seen my son get so excited to do something with someone other than me or his father, but "Waterpark Jack" was his best friend for those two days. And at the end of the trip, Jack melted my heart when he said "Lex is a good kid". Those five simple words mean more than he will ever know.

Society is becoming more aware of the abilities and disabilities of people on the Autism Spectrum. I applaud those businesses and organizations that recognize that Autism is a disability. One most forefront in my mind is the Disney Corporation. Before our trip to DisneyWorld this Christmas, I emailed the website asking if they would be able to do anything for my son at the parks, as he does not do well with waiting in lines patiently and quickly becomes frustrated and agitated. They replied by telling me to visit the Customer Assistance office in whatever park we went to first. I did this, and they were happy to offer me a Guest Assistance pass, which allowed us to wait a minimum amount of time on any ride that he wanted to go on, not just for that one day, but for our entire trip. This entitled my son the opportunity to actually enjoy his trip, not have it filled with frustration and angst at the hour long lines. We had a magical trip and my son still talks about wanting to go back on Splash Mountain at least once a week.

Who knows what the future will hold for my son or for Autism as a whole. All I can ask is for one thing. Let my kid be a kid. Don't let his diagnosis change how you look at him. If there is one thing I know for sure, and it is his favorite phrase, my kid loves his mom. And I love him. Autism and all.