How Our Holidays have Changed since My Son's Autism Diagnosis

"I want a roll," my son said through clenched teeth, anxiously staring at all the food laid out on the table.

META DATA DATA

StartFragmentLet's try some turkey too...just a little," I coaxed, feeling embarassed that my sister had slaved all day long, making a huge Thanksgiving meal for us, and my son was about to meltdown over there not being "anything to eat." EndFragment

"No," he said firmly. "A roll. And then I will have some pie."

StartFragmentAnother member of my family tried to help. "You can't have pie unless you have something to eat. This is all wonderful food. Eat some of it." EndFragment

Not helpful.

StartFragmentI could see the pressure getting to him. The other children were joyfully making tons of noise. The adults were laughing, having fun. It was warm and loud. And it was a nightmare for my son.EndFragment

He clenched his fists.

StartFragmentI got him a roll, and tried to coax him to his chair.EndFragment

He kicked the chair and refused to sit down.

StartFragmentMy family stared at me and the message was clear.EndFragment

Are you going to let him behave like that?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

To finish reading the full story, visit the Huffington Post: Parents website: http://huff.to/1kTwQBG.

EndFragment