Over the last couple of years, I have answered questions from other parents who are looking for more information about autism. I decided to pull out sections from each chapter of our book that contain references and some thoughts about different times of parenting an autistic child. A PDF of those excerpts is now available on our site, you can download a copy at Resources, References and Reflections Excerpts

Another change in the season and the carved pumpkins and scary decorations are put away until next year. There are still pumpkins on display, with the added display of squash, and corn, symbols of a bountiful harvest. There are some Christmas decorations sneaking in, but most people are enjoying the quiet thankfulness of November before moving on.

I am continuing with my theme for the month of October, cleaning. I have been somewhat busy with cleaning house but that’s not the only cleaning I’ve done. The other cleaning, perhaps more of a cleansing, is reviewing old memories.  I find it all too easy to stay attached to old memories and revisit the past. Some of those memories bring comfort and longing as I remember happy times with family and friends. There are people I miss and wish I could spend more time with. Other memories are not so pleasant, memories of failure or shame at past events.

With the days growing shorter, it is apparent that summer has wound down and a new season has started. The temperatures are still summer like during the day but with longer nights, it is easier to sleep in cooler weather. The open windows bring fresh air and are a welcome relief from a closed up house for air conditioning

The holiday this week is Patriot Day for September 11th. Over the last few years, as I’ve observed problem over the last few years, I have wondered if I have done enough of service for my community.  I have started helping out with the local autism society and sharing our family experiences with other parents of autistic children. Sometimes it seems like a small thing, but I occasionally get comments that my information has helped.

This has been an interesting week, I had surgery on my nose on Monday, so wrote this column ahead of time. I am doing well, recovering at home and very glad that things went well. My son provided pictures for Musical Instrument day while I wrote a silly story for the silly season of August. Hope you like it.

The Spider on My Car*

This week has the holidays National Hot Dog Day and World Emoji day, so my son took pictures as part of our celebration. Emoji’s are an interesting addition to language and communication, if used like a seasoning, in smaller doses. However, some people feel they need ALL OF THE EMOJIs and post accordingly. Or perhaps I’m just getting old and suspicious of this new development. I’m much more comfortable with hot dogs, although I don’t eat them much anymore. Too much salt and other things that cause me to regret my decision later on.

This last weekend, I drove on a back road through the hills to visit my hairdresser for a haircut. While I drove, I noticed the lush green of the trees, fuller than they were a few weeks ago. The bushes were larger and crowded, filling the empty space in the hills, and adding to the impression of a richness of the growing season. I realized that in the last few weeks spring had fully switched over to summer.

The official start of summer is almost here although we are still enjoying moderate weather in San Diego. Our moderate weather included rain, which is very unusual for June. Not a rainstorm, more drizzle than downpour, but the streets and sidewalks were wet when I drove to work earlier this week.