"Ghost" This was James' typed response (on his iPad) to: "What are you going to be for Halloween?" And spelled correctly, too! Okay, I had already picked (and assembled) Robin Hood, but this was one wish that was going to be fulfilled! After years of deciding every little thing for James, not only what costume he would be dressed in for Halloween, but what clothes he would wear daily, what presents he would receive for Birthday, for Christmas . . . James "spoke." He clearly, undeniably, let it be know what he wanted! How huge is this?!!
Luckily two costumes worked perfectly for our two-home life-style. At our shore house, trick-or-treating takes place the day before Halloween. So, one ghost (who can't handle things over his face) went door-to-door at the beach. We tagged along with our neighbors. I loved how the kids would yell "Come on James" when he lagged behind. At one house around the block, whose owners we didn't know, the woman was confused by James' behavior. Our neighbor's eldest daughter - at that wonderful a bit bossy but still helpful stage - simply explained: He's autistic, just put the candy in his bag! So not only did James decide what he was going to be for Halloween, he GOT Halloween. He understood the ritual of going door-to-door. He loved running after the other kids. He was even great when we got home and allowed him to choose one item to eat. Of course he picked the large-ish bag of sour gummies.
At bath-time, James was cranky and complained mightily. Even afterwards he was still whining, refusing to settle down and relax. He wanted YouTube. Um. . . No. It was late, time to wind down and relax before bed. Major tears. I tried the iPad. He chose: "I Feel," "Sad" and "Tired." I switched to the typing screen and asked: so, you are sad because you're tired? "No." "Tired of jou." Then there was a correction "you." What?! James, are you tired of me? Nod. How can I be so crushed and so happy at the same time?
"Ghost" This was James' typed response (on his iPad) to: "What are you going to be for Halloween?" And spelled correctly, too! Okay, I had already picked (and assembled) Robin Hood, but this was one wish that was going to be fulfilled! After years of deciding every little thing for James, not only what costume he would be dressed in for Halloween, but what clothes he would wear daily, what presents he would receive for Birthday, for Christmas . . . James "spoke." He clearly, undeniably, let it be know what he wanted! How huge is this?!! 
Luckily two costumes worked perfectly for our two-home life-style. At our shore house, trick-or-treating takes place the day before Halloween. So, one ghost (who can't handle things over his face) went door-to-door at the beach. We tagged along with our neighbors. I loved how the kids would yell "Come on James" when he lagged behind. At one house around the block, whose owners we didn't know, the woman was confused by James' behavior. Our neighbor's eldest daughter - at that wonderful a bit bossy but still helpful stage - simply explained: He's autistic, just put the candy in his bag! So not only did James decide what he was going to be for Halloween, he GOT Halloween. He understood the ritual of going door-to-door. He loved running after the other kids. He was even great when we got home and allowed him to choose one item to eat. Of course he picked the large-ish bag of sour gummies. 
At bath-time, James was cranky and complained mightily. Even afterwards he was still whining, refusing to settle down and relax. He wanted YouTube. Um. . . No. It was late, time to wind down and relax before bed. Major tears. I tried the iPad. He chose: "I Feel," "Sad" and "Tired." I switched to the typing screen and asked: so, you are sad because you're tired? "No." "Tired of jou." Then there was a correction "you." What?! James, are you tired of me? Nod. How can I be so crushed and so happy at the same time?
