My dad’s 80th birthday party is this Saturday, and 50 family members and friends are convening in Carmel, California for the big event.
As many of you know, big family events can be nightmarish with a child with autism–too many people, too much stimulation, and a lot explaining.
“Oh, I’m sorry. He has a thing about candles. He really likes to line them up.”
“Oops, are you OK? Matthew, tell Aunt Alice you’re sorry. And no more footballs in the house.”
“No, he’s not having a fit. He just jumps up and down when he’s happy.”
Matthew is 23 now and my biggest worry is that he’ll insist on playing the CD he made-the one of him singing Roy Orbison tunes karaoke style. (I think I have mentioned this CD before-you may be hearing a lot about it for a long time).I applaud Matthew for putting the thing together, but it is really really bad, so bad, in fact, that my husband suggested that it be used in the war on terror instead of water boarding.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
I’d love to hear your stories about enduring BIG family events.
Do I remember correctly that your Dad has a special connection with Matthew? Probably he wants his grandson to celebrate with him, but why does it have to be at the same time as everyone else?
My husband and I always have things planned out before we go to any event, especially family ones. We have great families that mean well, but some of them just don’t get it. So we know that one of us will keep a constant eye on T-man, keeping him busy and out of trouble. And we always leave early! and sometimes we don’t go!