Our Owen

                 April is World-wide Autism Awareness Month.

I bring that up because I have a grandson, Owen, who is very disfunctional and needs round the clock care. 

He's a real sweetheart and he loves his Grandma and Grandma loves him but he is lost in a world of his own for most of the time. He's very smart, is verbal but doesn't talk much. He will do chores around the house if prompted, loves Disney World and his Mom. But, most antimation triggers him and he is soon off on one of his tangents so he isn't allowed much tv or video games. 

He was living in a residental home until Covid but he's been back home now for the past 3 years. 

So, you say... he's got to be a handful. He's 29 years old, 6'5" tall and yes he is a handful. It's a 24/7 job. 

When Owen was first diagnosed his parents could not find information or help. So, they started an organization called Autism Coalition out of their home. Autism Coalition grew and it grew and soon there were offices to open up, fund-raiser to conduct (all over the U. S.) and pretty soon it was just more than Susan and Kevin could handle. 

Bob Wright of NBC took over the reins, renamed the group Autism Speaks and gave Susan and Kevin the break they needed. Kevin is still on the Board of Autism Speaks. Susan has her handsful taking care of Owen and her teenage son, Tighe. (oldest son, Griffin, lives nearby)  

During those early days Susan and Kevin organized a golf tournament for Autism. Over the years that tournament has raised far over a million dollars to benefit those who are in the autism spectrum and their families. 

So, that's just a tiny glimpse into the life of Autism. Please reach out to those you know who has a child with autism. 

And, please be kind and not critical when you see a parent struggling with a child who is out of control. It can't be helped, it can't be fixed. They do have feelings just like you and me and would love be healthy if they could be.