An Autism Merry Xmas

Well, it is the last day before the children go back to school after the Christmas break and what do you know? It has been okay.


Okay Christmas Day was weird; Lucie woke and declared she wanted to open her presents alone. She then spent the morning in the summer-house, which saw me out there in the pouring rain, bare-footed, in tartan PJs, feeding her the marshmallow breakfast she requested through the door. Who needs LSD for hallucinogenic experiences when you have a daughter on the spectrum!  But she enjoyed herself and the neighbours got a laugh!

Emilie, meanwhile, woke up about 7am and decided a visit from Santa could remain unexplored. Instead she bounced on her bed for three hours before finally venturing down to unwrap her presents. This year was something of a success; she liked two out of nine of her gifts, meaning only seven of them had to go 'in-up' (furthermost shelf of the garage). So again - result and hey - a Rudolf shaped selection box will be fun to open in May.... :-)



However, what made this festive period a success was Helen and I's attitude. Our worst Xmas ever was last year when we pulled up the drawbridge and hid away from the rest of the world. We always say Christmas is the only time we feel 'loss' in having two autistic children. It is a time made for kids and ours do not 'get it' in the usual way. But last year was so depressing, sitting in the house alone, wallowing in the difference autism makes. Hence this time deciding to throw ourselves into socialising. Visits to in-laws for a party (oh those prawns!), a trip to family in Peterborough (oh that Chinese meal!) and everyone round to us for a night-time Xmas meal on the 25th (oh the need for a bigger dishwasher!).  I also met up with a friend I'd not seen for 22 years (oh the memories!) and re-established a connection that will hopefully endure. Say what you like about Facebook, its ability to re-connect us is profound; "like" indeed!

So, what of next Christmas?  Will we do anything differently? No - I think reaching out to people is the way forward. Having two autistic children is sometimes a ready made excuse not to make the effort - but if life teaches us anything, it is that we are social animals and need our support networks. So - more of the same in 2013; with perhaps some waterproof bunny-slippers for me - please Santa.  :-)