This June, my ASD son and I will travel to Athens for the Special Olympics World Summer Games.   I volunteered in the physical therapy center for the ’84 Games, and witnessed first-hand the courage, camaraderie, and self-esteem boost this event inspires. Mind you, I’m talking amongst the volunteers.  As with any other tale of service, the ultimate take-away always surpasses the put-in.  I want that for my autistic son.  It is a life lesson that he deserves and can, blessedly, perform.  Give yourself and your … [Read more...]

My boy... Shortly before his 5th birthday, my son told me that when he “grewed up” he was going to play ball at Duke University.   He would stand in front of the TV and jump up and down for hours while he watched college basketball.  He would read (yes, at 5) the ESPN Sports Almanac and memorize every record and every Final Four champion since 1939.  He was diagnosed with autism before he was 2.  I knew in my heart that he had the disorder.  Despite assurances from our pediatrician, my parents and family … [Read more...]