Jill Dawson

My son, Elliott, is 12 going on 15. He’s totally a preteen. He’s also very much interested in becoming as independent as possible.

Let me share some glimpses into his life.

Scott used to walk home for lunch every day until Elliott was about 2 1/2. During lunch, Scott would try to make conversation and ask things like, “What did you do today?” Elliott would answer, “Do today?”

Elliott didn’t play with his toys until he was about 3 1/2 years old. Instead, he line them up or dumped them.

Then, along with some Discovery Toys, his primary interest was Thomas the Train toys. For about two years, the only gift that would interest him was a new train.

Elliott had favorite books that we read in animated fashion that involved tickling or pretending to attack him. He also liked to clear off the bookcases.

I taught the 4 & 5 year olds on Wednesday nights at church. The students helped me write rules for the class. Elliott would not participate. Instead, he’d sit by himself and play with Lincoln Logs. A student eventually pointed out that Elliott didn’t obey the rules, and I responded that if I tried to get him to participate appropriately, then she would not learn anything or have any fun in my class. It was a sad, but honest, statement.

Elliott loved to crash. He’s jump off our lazy boy repeatedly. His favorite activity has always been roughhousing with his father.

Those are just a few examples, but truly, as time passes, the memory of the hardships do fade, and I’d have to look back at old medical records and narratives to paint a clearer picture of how life was in those days.

Elliott was about 3 1/2 when he was diagnosed with autism.

Now, 12 years old, Elliott is high functioning. He reads and comprehends quite well. He does multiplication and division. He ran cross country and plans to again join the wrestling team, and for the first time in his life, he has had the experience of being “one of the guys.” Elliott likes to exercise, swim, and bike. He loves to have conversations about his interests. He’s a great kid.

He’s been a huge blessing. He makes us smile and laugh every day. He has a good heart and a gentle spirit (in spite of his continual desire for roughhousing). Even with his “disability, ” he’s generous and loving. We are proud of him and how hard he has worked to come so far.