Happy Birthday, Ryan!

Ryan turned 18 over the weekend.  It was a happy occasion.  I started planning the day about a week ahead of time.  Having autism, Ryan doesn't have a lot of friends.  He talks with people, if they ask him a question.  However, extended conversations still elude Ryan.  Therefore, it is difficult to cultivate and maintain typical friendships.  Since this was a milestone, I wanted it to be memorable for Ryan.

I surprised him in the morning by taking him out for a birthday breakfast.  A local restaurant offers a free breakfast on the actual birth date.  He had no problem with that.  Ryan then visited a fellow home schooling family.  I knew Ryan wanted to go to Benihana's for dinner, but I had other plans in store for him.  So we went to lunch there.  He felt at ease since we had been there recently.  He gave a big smile when the camera came around, as compared to the photo taken about a month ago.  Ryan doesn't usually smile with such ease.

In the evening I ran some errands with the boys to keep them guessing where we were going.  I was successful for most of the ride.  Eventually, they guessed where we were destined, but they didn't guess a surprise party with extended family members.  We had a wonderful pool party with cousins and relatives.  Ryan enjoyed the surprise and the festivities.

I was very thankful that most relatives came.  It is very hard for a parent to celebrate events for teens with autism.  My sister's comment illustrated the point.  Her daughter asked why Ryan wasn't celebrating with his friends? My sister had to explain to her daughter that autism can inhibit communication with others. So even kids who know Matthew quite well don't fully comprehend what it's like socially for a teen with autism.  That circle of friends that seems so typical of teenagers doesn't necessarily exist for these autistic kids.

It's always a question for the parents:  how to fill that void?  I'm not sure there is an answer.

For now, I'm glad that Ryan had a happy birthday, and we continue to work on conversation skills. 

School Supplies--Free Flash Drive Offer

Ryan came home from school with a list of needed items.  I glance over the list of usual items, but there is an unusual one:  a flash drive.

So I am no tech guru, as my children are.  I am very comfortable living with pen and paper and a rotary phone.  However, my children like the technological advances.  I have always looked at some of these tools as luxury items, but school is now making these tools a necessity.  And these are not cheap when multiple kids are involved.

When a friend of mine posted about this opportunity, I knew I had to pursue it: a free 2GB flash drives from USB Memory Direct.  There is helpful information already loaded on the flash drive, geared to help moms.  The 75 tips cover topics such as school lunches and snacks, homework, and after school activities.

You can find more information here as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Who couldn't use helpful information AND free school supplies?

By posting this promotion, I am eligible to receive a free flash drive.  I receive no additional compensation.

Posh Traveling Improvised

Ryan, Nick, and Cam with me

One of our summer endeavors has been to expose the boys to different ethnic restaurants because the boys still have sensory issues.  We'd love to travel to various countries, but money dictates creativity.   I set the boys on a hunt:  to find restaurants with different ethnic or cultural foods.  The computer blazed, and we found several different places.

We "travel" to a different country every time, which saves on airline costs. HA. Most of the restaurants are family owned.  We have tried to stay away from the chain restaurant, but how they enjoyed Benihana! This place was infused with entertainment.  The boys loved seeing the food sizzle in front of them.  The chef amazed them with tricks like flipping the bowls into his hat.  Quite a show.

The different country aspect is all a part of expanding their horizons with various tastes, textures, cultures. etc.  They are now not as sensitive to unfamiliar smells, sounds, tastes, etc., as they were at the beginning of summer. So this "therapy" is working!  Tis amazing how thinking outside the box has helped our boys.