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Amanda Starry
Auntie M Photography
www.facebook.com/amphotographyaz

Adam

My son, Adam, is about to turn twelve years old on April 30, 2011. We just recently received a diagnosis that Adam is autistic, although my husband and I thought he was. He is ADHD, has short-term memory delays, and his IQ puts him on the borderline.

In spite of these disabilities, Adam continues to work hard and have fun when he can. He does not like school very much but knows that he has to go and work hard. When recess and lunchtime come around Adam is at his happiest. He plays with the other students at school but sometimes has social problems with boundaries and appropriate conversations. There are times when he understands that he made mistakes and other times when he does not understand what mistakes he has made.

At home Adam has his set schedule from getting off the school bus to going on the computer or playing outside. Although Adam does understand that if, he has had a yellow, red, or purple day at school he has to stay in the house and does not go on the computer. He waits for dad to get home and discuss what happened. Then based on the situation Adam will receive his consequences and usually accepts it with little to no problem.

As for the weekends, this is the best for Adam. He can call his friends and talk with them on the phone. We take him to the skate park and he skates for about one hour or so. We sometimes will take him to the Goodwill and he explores the toys until he finds something he likes and then asks if we can buy it. Sometimes we take him over one of his friend’s house, Ethan (the same as Adam), and he spends the day with him and his family. He loves doing this.

Overall, Adam is a pleasant child and has the innocence of an eight to ten year old. Academically he is at about a third grade level. We do see some increase in him but it is very slow. The one last thing he is obsessed with is vehicles –all kinds – sizes, shapes, etc. He can tell you the make and model of most vehicles.

Tracy, mother of Adam
Glendale, AZ