Perhaps you do not know what that means. I had seen "Rainman" and heard the term, but was not sure about any of the characteristics of the syndrome. I did not know that it is not curable, at this time. I did not know there were differences of degrees of disability. It is very difficult to diagnose as there are so many different degrees. We had a little boy who could recognize letters, and say some words. He knew his grandfather and I and was very excited to see us when we visited them. The change began after he was two. He lost his interest in learning to talk. He was absorbed in spinning anything that was round--all the lids in my kitchen cabinets were on the floor when George came to visit. He could really make them whirl. He had difficulty learning to tie his shoes, zip a zipper, lift anything, or ride a tricycle.

Fortunately the pediatrician had some experience with the problem and quickly told his parents what he thought. Larry is an optometrist, and began to research, as did Therese and read everything they could about the condition. The big problem is that not much had been done in the last thirty years by any scientific research program to learn more about it. Most of the things they discovered were because of their own determination and that of other parents. He was enrolled immediately in the "Early Learning Program" which is part of the public school program.

The State of Illinois is very progressive as far as most disabilities are concerned. A few years ago they began a program of mainlining children with disabilities and educating most of the teachers to handle the special children. There is also a program to furnish them with aides in the classroom when they are needed. George has a speech therapist who has been working with him since he was four. This is paid for by his parents. They have participated in several programs given by autistic adults who have worked out their own solutions and are able to function in the business and academic world. He is improving all of the time, and we are so happy that he has so many people to help him. Not all parents have the resources available that Therese and Larry do. They drive used cars, and live very modestly because so much of their income goes into helping George. When he was four and still not talking, he became very interested in watching an older cousin playing Nintendo. I had purchased the game for the children and I learned it too. It was one of the few things which would make George stop and look. I gave him a control and he sat with me thinking he was making the figures jump. I talked constantly, saying "star" "Mario" "clouds" and "jump" and singing silly little songs in between. Because I repeated them over and over, he began to try to make the words too. He realized all at once that he could make the men jump and he began to play it. He is the Nintendo champion of the family, and he still wants me to sit and watch him play and cheer when he does something really great.

He has one phone number he calls--it is mine. He asks if he can come over to play Nintendo. George is happier with a routine. Being a caring Grandma, my part is to furnish the Nintendo, have some cookies ready for him when he goes home, and to say "See you later alligator" so he can respond" after while crocodile."I melt when he says "Grandma I Wove You" He has make a very big change in our lives. He talks to Grandpa about his tropical fish tank, and had to have one just like it with the same kinds of fish.

George has made a great deal of progress, and hopefully will make a great deal more. Meanwhile there are many children who are not getting the benefit of the kind of care that George has gotten. The incidence of autism is increasing and the amount of research that has been done is very little. Become more knowledgeable about Autism, so that you learn how you can be helpful.