World of Autism

The TV show “Criminal Minds” just started, and the opening is about a child who goes missing at the local mall.

The very first thing that security asks the parents for is a recent photograph and description of the child.

THIS is exactly why I try so hard to convince parents to carry ID for their children!  It’s just not enough to keep ID on the child, or to keep ID with YOU.  Parents need to do both, and to do ALL!!

No one ever wants to think that it will happen to their child.  I used to be like that, until autism happened to my child!  That did it; it proved that the unthinkable CAN happen, with no warning.

This is why LucasWorks carries a Child ID Kit selection for every kind of child.  There are also many other companies online that have various types of ID products.  The important thing is to GET IT and PUT IT WHERE YOU, POLICE, FIRE AND RESCUE WILL FIND IT.

My husband, our son Robert, Lucas himself, his grandparents and I ALL carry a Child ID card with Lucas’ info (including his photo, fingerprint, medical info and an emergency treatment authorization on them).  We have an ID card in each car, Velcro’d into the door of the glove box.

That way, no matter:

Where we are,
Who Lucas is with,
Which car we take,
What state we’re in (geographically or mentally),

and no matter what happens:

Car accident,
Terrorist attack,
Hurricane,
Lucas runs off, gets lost or worse,

we know we can get his information to the people who need it right away.  Lucas also wears an ID tag on his belt loop at all times.

I urge you to think about all the places your child may be, and all the people they might be with.  Then consider if each of those situations has the information they would need to help your child if any of the above happened.

Tags: Daily life by Lauren
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We attended an Autism Walk last Saturday in Manassas, VA.  It was a very nice day, with perfect weather for a walk.  Lucas, his dad and I were at this walk, not to walk but as vendors, selling our Safety, ID, Independent Living and Autism Awareness products.

We spent the night at Grammy and Grampa’s house in Virginia, and then were up, dressed in our LucasWorks Autism Awareness t-shirts, and out the door by 7:30.  We arrived at the Walk location around 8:15.  Lucas and Alan unloaded the van while I found us the perfect table.

Lucas has gone with us to some of these walks, and he usually has a pretty good time.  He’s beginning to grasp that this is part of “work”, and that he’ll get paid for doing his job for the day.  Of course, his job is explained in great detail, and usually consists of:

1. Wearing an Autism Awareness shirt, and modeling it when asked to (standing up, opening his jacket and being still so someone can read the shirt.)
2. Helping bring our supplies in at the beginning of the event, and helping take them back to the car afterwards.
3. Not whining, complaining or making noises.
4. Helping dad get food and/or drink for Mom while she’s too busy to get any!

This is a LOT for Lucas to keep track of in a strange environment full of noise and people, but he does pretty well, now that he’s gone to a few of them.

Of course, sometimes Lucas just needs to MOVE!  He can’t sit there all day waiting to do something.  So Alan spends a good portion of these events keeping an eye on when Lucas needs to get up and move around.   He’ll take Lucas out to walk around and look at things, or go browse the other vendor tables, helping Lucas to say “Hey” to diffferent people he sees.

Lucas did really well at the Autism Walk, and got paid for his good job.  I think he really likes that part of working for LucasWorks!

Tags: Daily life by Lauren
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Living in the world of autism means that the Special Olympics of Delaware is a regular part of life for Lucas and us.  Each year at school, time is devoted to learning, practicing and enjoying different sports, all to prepare for a special Olympics event.

The Soccer Skills competition was this week.  There was a nice opening ceremony, with a classmate of Lucas’ helping to sing the National Anthem, a torch ceremony with our local police departments, and a bunch of speeches (because everyone wants to get in on the act!)

Even though I know this child of mine better than anyone, he can still surprise me with things he’s learned.  His job in this event was to “dribble” the ball with his feet around various cones, then to kick the ball between the goal posts.

As you can see, he knew to take little steps, and did quite well, in spite of those big ol’ feet!

Lucas didn’t win the gold, Silver or even the Bronze, but he sure did have a great time.  He helped to cheer other students on (with a litle encouragement from me), did his best when his turn came, and surprised me again by showing his skills on a soccer field.

Later this year, he’ll participate in bowling, basketball and his favorite, roller skating.  What a great way for him to learn sports, get some excercise, practice sportsmanship AND social skills (cheering, taking turns, waiting patiently, working together, etc.)

I can’t wait!

Tags: Daily life by Lauren
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