Autism - Charles and me

Chapter four MEDICAL CHECKUPS I never thought at the time there might problems with Charles’ eyes or ears. So when it was suggested by the professionals to have some tests done, I was concerned. They said it was just to rule out any other underlining problems. As if he hadn’t enough! The first test was for his hearing, and for someone who may be hard of hearing the nurses was asking him a lot of questions. Charles didn’t pay much attention, just made a bee line straight for the toy box. Once his toy had been chosen the nurses encouraged him to sit down.  There was a lot of messing about with equipment but eventually they started to wire him up to the machine, ‘When you hear the noise, Charles, we want you to click that button!’ Before she could get the word, ‘Okay’ out of her mouth Charles had hit the button several times! So they had to repeat the instructions again. I was just about to state the obvious when he’d  had  enough and made a dash for the door whils...

Chapter Three AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES It was our doctor that suggested that we enrol Charles in an out-of- school activity to help with his social skills. So we decided to try our local Scouts and Beavers group who said they were prepared to help. Even though I was worried about the other children making fun of him I decided to give Beavers a try. I stayed for a few weeks in a back room while the leaders got to know him and to make sure he settled in okay. When the time was right I was told I could go home for the hour due to Charles coping well and him enjoying his freedom. The thing was it became difficult for me to let go and leave him there while I went home. For weeks I would leave the building and just sit in the car for the whole hour making sure the leaders were keeping an eye on him. I questioned them about the security of the building; would he be able to escape? I told them if they went on a trip then someone must hold his hand at all times because if ...

BUMPING INTO OLD FRIENDS  When Charles was still quite young we bumped into someone I hadn’t seen for a long time in our local supermarket. Charles began to talk excessively about robot wars, which was something he had started to do and to anyone who would listen. She stared at him and asked how he was doing now, while commenting on how differently he talked. ‘Different; from what?’ I asked. ‘I mean, he speaks so precisely, his words…’ Now she looked uncomfortable and her voice trailed off. ‘Probably because he has speech therapy,’ I said. She glanced down to watch Charles wriggling all over the floor, pretending to swim. Again I found myself excusing him, telling her he’s autistic. Instantly I felt annoyed with myself for feeling the need to explain to everyone. I asked Charles to get up, and for once he did as he was told. He then lurched forward and wrapped his arms around her legs. She stepped back, alarmed. Her eyes were as large as saucers, jaw wide open. ‘W...