A Bishop’s Wife - yes, the Playstation can be a good thing - we find it gives Jack a ’security blanket’ at times when things can be totally overwhelming, and thankfully it gave us this short break and enabled us to relax and eat lunch with the family without any dramas!

Thanks Marla - low key finally worked!!!

Tulipmom and Jen P - the family history has been really interesting to discover, and though there may not be diagnosed ‘disorders’ as such - the traits and tendencies are very eye-opening…

Tammy - seventeen people IS a huge crowd, Pamela did so well!!! I hope that one day Jack may be able to cope with a similar sort of thing. It’s funny, I know his preschool teacher used to often hold him off until last to do something he really wanted (he would sit really still and focused just waiting). I guess it takes time and patience, it would be lovely to think that one day we could participate in a family celebration without having to leave early or having things fall apart. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!

When Pamela was Jack’s age, she did best in the setting you had for Jack–small, cozy, family. This Christmas was the largest she has had in years. She stayed in the living room for the entire celebration. One thing that helped her keep patient as we took turns opening presents one by one is that I held back the one she wanted most until last! She knew Santa had heard her request and she knew the Baby Alive was there, somewhere. That enabled her to stick around with no meltdowns or issues whatever. We had a huge crowd by her standards (seventeen people).

It may take years, but it is possible to help our children relax and enjoy the holidays. I think what helps Pamela the most is having the freedom to come and go, depending on her sensory needs. Whenever she has needed a break from it all, we let her go. That has taught her to be aware of her sensory needs and to deal with them before they get out of hand.

Thanks for sharing your Christmas photos!

I feel the same way as you do. I feel SOME autism is genetic, Some people do not like that line of thought but I feel that way. My fathers brother was what we would call Autistic today. Back then, there was no such diagnosis. My sisters have children with the traits and some of us have the traits. I also have my “Junior” who is moderately to low functioning autistic and my Noddy who is very sensory seeking and really, is just like Junior but has better language and concept skills.
One of my sisters sons is obviously Asbergers (sp) but she has refused the diagnosis for fear of “lableing”. He is in Special ed and has some socialization problems. He did not talk till he was over 4years old. She will not say it and have it confirmed so I do not push it, he is in highschool now.

I love the pictures and hope to be posting mine soon too.
You have beautiful children.
Mine did the “play station” thing at the aunties house yesterday.
It is a good thing sometimes!