The best things in life are free.............

Hello again,



autys Dad here again. This week has reaffirmed my belief that in autism world, the simpler the task/event, the more enjoyable for all concerned. Finally the sun was shining and we had some quality time in the garden and local parks playing football, on the swings etc. Trying to go to a family day out place like Sea World or Tower of London would have been a nightmare. We have tried before and the noise, crowds, walking, heat, are all factors that create stress. This leads to screaming, kicking, flapping and other traits. The summer holidays are upon us and I know that everyday would be perfect for auty if we just did the local park, threw in (not up ;-)) a McDonalds, maybe chance going to the local swimming pool and then some play at home. We have thought about a week away in Spain or Portugal but for him, it would be more an endurance to begin with rather than fun.

Sometimes it seems we take a step forwards and two steps back. Last night was a heart breaker for me as I had noticed my autys fascination for turning on and off the washing machine. Last night went a stage further when he sat down in front of it, whilst it was on, and watched the washing going around and around for twenty minutes. His face was very close to the washing machine glass door and he was fascinated by the spinning clothes. He was enjoying it and I tried to move hm away with other more normal treats but he was hooked. This obviously not normal behaviour rammed home again just how "special" he is.

Summer holidays time now and the sun is out.

Have a good weekend
Dad of auty.

Rain Mans revenge!!!!

Good afternoon,

just found out that Rain Man is coming to the West End starring Josh Harnett. I think this is bad news for anyone in the autistic community. My reasoning's are that many peoples perception of autism is based purely on the RM film. So many people have asked me what my little autys "special gift" is? Some are genuinely disappointed when I say he can stare at doors for hours or has a knack for screaming for no apparent reason in aisle three of Tescos. The response is always the same and along the lines of......"you watch, he will be a concert violinist or will be able to draw places he has never even seen, in minute detail". At that point, I absolutely hate Dustin Hoffman!!!! If you have seen the movie do you agree with me? Its all about education I know.

Anyway, my little auty is still doing the usual stuff. This involves the door phenomenon, watching certain parts of a DVD over and over and over and over......you get the message. Amazingly the Night Garden has been consigned to yesterdays DVDs and Balamory has roared back to number 1 spot!!! Now, he loves to dance and if the characters are dancing then its pure magic. Just a hint of music and he will be up and swaying and encouraging others to do so too!!! Its great to watch and his enthusiasm is infectious! Maybe he will be a gifted dancer and you can keep your Nureyev's and Travolta's. Heh heh. Ok, back off my Rain Man soap box. ;-)

He is doing great at his special school but its heartbreaking to not be able to ask how his day was, what was his best part of the day, did you have fun at playtime, etc etc. We get the usual school reports and pray we have some progress. We can see it of course in small ways such as counting to ten, a kind of ABC and some singing. I am being generalistic of course. We know he has had a stressful day though as he will come home and generally protest by doing a poo on the floor or in his pants. His demeanour has not changed enough so we can not see it coming. Maybe its just something that he stores away until he needs a release? Who knows. I wish I did!!!!!

One great thing that he has finally learnt is that when he is out with an adult, he must hold hands. This has been so tough in the past he has been known to just run off, with no awareness for personal safety. His desire for seeking the next door that opens automatically would drive him to run off. Many dirty looks followed from other parents in the street if I have had to forcibly hold his hand for his own safety.

One plus point about my auty is that he knows when he is tired and generally doesn't put up a fight at bedtime. Some of my friends with autys say bedtime is something they have no control of at all. For us, he is generally asleep by 7.30pm. Then we know he will be up usually 5.30-6am but you cant have it both ways.

Have a great week. Praying for sun at the weekend so we can go swimming, have a BBQ and maybe even a cheeky glass of wine.

Take care.
Dad of Auty.