This story covered by Wired.com is something I just had to share…on his first day at a new school, an 8 year-old boy with autism became upset , climbed out onto a third-floor ledge and then didn’t want to come back inside. The fire company was called and after trying to persuade the boy back into the building, one of the firemen, Sonchai Yoosabai, had what was most likely a life-saving idea. He heard the boy’s mother mention that he liked superheroes. It just so happened that Sonchai had a Superman costume back at the firehouse, which, according to the story, he has to help liven up school fire drills. So Sonchai ran back to the firehouse, changed into his costume and came back as Spiderman to save the day.

When the young boy saw Sonchai as Spiderman, he walked safely into Sonchai’s arms.

A very nerve-wrecking situation -- and one that had the potential of having a devastating outcome – turns out to have a fantastic ending. It just goes to show that superheroes do exist!

This story reminds me of a father and son I wrote about it a past blog, who were swept out to sea in a strong current and remained there overnight. The father, Walter, helped his son, who is autistic, stay afloat by calling out lines of “Toy Story“ (like “To infinity…any beyond!”). Walter believes this may have saved his son’s life…and I’d have to agree. These two stories are really great examples of how we can communicate with our autistic children if we join them, going into the world that they know.  There are great treatments and therapies out there that focus on connecting with our autistic children by learning how to communicate in a language they understand, which I really think is one of the best, and most vital, things we can do. Wouldn’t you agree?

Best,
Jenifer