Autism: Surviving and Thriving

Fourteen years ago my youngest 3 boys were diagnosed with autism within a 9 month span. Devastation and grieving followed. Doctors gave me little or no hope, but they didn't know me very well. I refused to believe that my boys were doomed.

My boys are now young men, adults with autism. They are thriving, but every day presents its turmoil and challenges.

My family: husband Mike, sons Ryan 23 yr, Nicholas 21 yr, and Cameron 18 yr. (Ryan and Nick have autism; Cam has recovered from autism.) Our oldest sons, Michael 34 yr and Stuart 25 yr, moved out of the house. Ryan has also moved out, and is still working towards complete independence.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

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.

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