Comments on: Christmas with Autism

By: VeritasLiberat

VeritasLiberat — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:43:19 +0000

I’m new here, but I’d just like to mention a great resource for those who know somebody with autism. It’s a book, “As I See It,” by Temple Grandin (a successful scientist who is herself autistic). She explains the kinds of problems those people “on the spectrum” are likely to encounter in life, and proposes some solutions — all from the point of view of an insider, someone who actually deals with those same issues herself. She also discusses areas where autistic people are likely to have talents they can use.

By: john f.

john f. — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:06:41 +0000

Lyle, maybe some of Eric’s methods here could help Sahara? So sorry to hear of her (and derivatively your) struggles with this condition.

By: lyle

lyle — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:14:01 +0000

Eric:

Thank you very much for sharing. Even sacrament meeting is a nightmare for our daughter Sahara (4), who is on the Autism Spectrum, for the same reasons you explained above.

Lyle

By: WJ

WJ — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:11:13 +0000

Eric, one of the hardest things I’ve encountered as a parent has been learning to sacrifice my own time and interests in order to give my children the time and attention they need to fully grow and develop (still learning that fact). Reading about the monumental efforts you and Elaine have/are making to nurture Sam (and Rachel) was very inspirational. Sam is a truly fortunate boy. Congratulations on the strides you have made to date and I wish you continued success in the future. Thank you for sharing!

By: ESO

ESO — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:00:50 +0000

I get the feeling that Sam is super lucky to be in such a thoughtfully invested family; I bet every member of your family feels lucky to be in his family too. Great reading–thanks.

By: marta

marta — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:23:37 +0000

Thank you, Eric.

Kristine, How old is your PDD-NOS child? Perhaps he could become your helper and be in on all the surprises. I became Santa (the easter bunny, the tooth fairy) for my whole family in 7th grade.

By: My Autism Recovery

My Autism Recovery — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:07:39 +0000

I just want to second Rosalynde’s comment. He IS very lucky to have relatives who are very supportive.

By: Kristine

Kristine — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:03:19 +0000

Eric, I have a son whose diagnosis is PDD-NOS (meaning, as far as we can tell, that he’s quirky and unpredictable, and medical professionals don’t really have a clue, either :)), and one of the trickiest things for me to remember is that a HUGE part of what makes the holiday fun for my other children–surprises and anticipation–are not at all pleasurable for him. A couple of things you said make it seem like you’ve done a good job of involving Rachel, but I’m wondering if you also do things for her that are different and separate from what you do for Samuel.

And I echo everyone’s thanks for sharing this glimpse into your family’s Advent!

By: J. Madson

J. Madson — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:54:13 +0000

Eric

not much to say other than thanks for sharing. It was quite touching to hear your bed time ritual with Samuel.

By: m&m

m&m — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:37:54 +0000

This was a beautiful post, and that comment about responding to inspiration for your son brought tears to my eyes.

Thank you for sharing this. It’s inspiring to me to see how others deal with the physical, emotional, mental and other weakness that comes as part of the mortal journey. The specifics in my world are different, but the conviction that God is there and can and does guide is the same, and is something for which I am so deeply grateful.