Tag Archives: “autism

At the Movies

Posted on February 10, 2012 by slcantwell25

During the cold months before and after Christmas, my wife works most weekends, and since I’m a typical male parent, I soon—very soon—run out of educational activities for the kids and opt instead for a Saturday matinee. Maura, not a … Continue reading →

Posted in Field Notes | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Planets, Moons, Planetoids and The Periodic Table of the Elements

Posted on January 27, 2012 by slcantwell25

Colin fills 3×5 index cards with imaginary planets, moons, and planetoids—the well-tooled cards hole-punched on one corner and clipped together with a plastic ring (no doubt his mother’s work). He presents the cards to me as a treasure. Flipping through … Continue reading →

Posted in Field Notes | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Freak Business

Posted on January 6, 2012 by slcantwell25

At age nine, Colin has entered a volatile stage. Tears and tantrums come easily, often, and unexpectedly. He talks loud much of the time, all but shouting in typical conversions. He commands and interrupts. He ignores repeated requests, even pleas, … Continue reading →

Posted in Field Notes | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Notes from Tutors

Posted on November 4, 2011 by slcantwell25

Colin’s ABA* tutors, at least a dozen in the last five years, play a singular role in his life, even the ones that come and go after a few months. Several tutors have watched him grow up, rarely going more … Continue reading →

Posted in Field Notes | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Imaginary Countries

Posted on November 4, 2011 by slcantwell25

To keep Colin occupied at church, I hand him a dozen blank index cards and a ball-point pen. He works steadily through the hour, head bent over the cards. He writes with care and pauses between words. I can’t tell … Continue reading →

Posted in Field Notes | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Dead-end of Blame

Posted on July 29, 2011 by slcantwell25

I made a decision and I know that was how it had to be, and I did not blame anyone.                                               —Czeslaw Milosz, “Yokimura” I. In the first years after our son’s diagnosis, we attend only one autism conference. We’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Essays | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment