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More Insight...
In an attempt to expand my knowledge of Autism, and squeeze in some summer reading, I recently bought the book The Boy Who Loved Windows by Patricia Stacey, written in 2003. In summary, it is about the successes, struggles, and overall fight for the life of their son and brother, Walker. Elizabeth, daughter, and parents Patricia and Cliff document and share their daily routine, doctors visits, and feelings in this heartfelt and true narrative. As I read, I found the following quotes helpful in understanding Autism as someone who does not have it. I hope that they give you more insight into what Autism is like for those diagnosed, and their families.
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Patricia noticed differences in her son from birth. |
"Sill, concern, worry, came in hot little flashes. Toward the end of my five days in the hospital, I confided to my friend Monica that I didn't feel that my baby was 'born yet', even though, of course, he was out. A woman with strong spiritual convictions, Monica suggested I pray he come into his body." |
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Walker had a strong attraction toward light. His mom describes it as such: |
"Nights under the single gray kitchen light. Walker, six and a half months old, strapped into his car seat, nowhere near able to sit up. Always looking aside toward the white blinds, even at midnight. The light was brightest off their white surface, or his head was cranked upward facing the bulb on the ceiling.
If light were air, I'd say he was trying to inhale it."
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Patricia had done research on the internet of any disorder, disease, and condition she could think that Walker may have. Autism was the most difficult to enter into the search engines. |
"Into the hard silvery light of the computer screen, I stared for a long time, not sure I wanted to go forward. I knew that autism was about emotional withdrawal. Cliff and I had discussed it over the phone while he was at work, just the day before. It seemed clear that Walker was headed for an autistic retreat. Now I looked at my computer screen. All I needed to do was type in the word. But I didn't." |
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Patricia and Cliff took Walker to several pediatricians, therapists, and many other medical and educational professionals during his early months. Walker was initially diagnosed with SI, sensory integration dysfunction. One professional described Walker's world as such: |
"Imagine your sensory world scrambled and unregulated, your auditory intake an incessant rock station- or worse, mere static- blasting in your ears. Imagine your kitchen light as bright as a searchlight, boring into your cornea every time you turn it on. Imagine yourself in clothes so irritating that they seem lined with metal scraping brushes. Imagine walking past a woman wearing a spritz of Chanel No. 5 that leaves you disoriented and dizzy. Imagine entering a restaurant and encountering fumes so overpowering to your eyes that you think the cook must be boiling Mace. This can be the world of sensory integration dysfunction." | |
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