LIFE WITH AUTISM

I had to pop into Lorien today to drop off some toiletries for Andrew: razor blades, shaving cream and a new toothbrush.  Nothing of suprise there you may think.  But taking the toiletries to his room I met him, sat in his comfy chair, with a big smile on his face and watching a carer laying out some laundry.  I greeted Andrew and his carer and asked her what he was doing.  The carer informed me he was 'helping her with the laundry.  Watch him.'

He stood, walked over to where the plastic laundry basket was complete with laundry and picked it up.  He then carried it to the bedroom next door and placed it on the other client's bed at the request of the carer, who said he always 'worked with her.'

Now I couldn't cope with what I witnessed as this was never on the radar when he was born.  It was a shift of such magnitude in his development that had I not seen it, I may not have believed it, and that was the cue for me to start being tearful.  Thanks Andrew it was worth the trip and I'll never forget it.

Lawrence.