My son with autism is nearly 15 years old. When things start buzzing around Christmastime, he has a guarded enthusiasm. He loves to bring out the movies of the season, but isn't so excited about how much changes around the house. So it was especially beautiful when he stopped on Saturday morning and noticed ornaments on our tree. He found the ones that had meaning to him, and pushed buttons on those with sound effects. It was good to see him enjoy things on his terms.
And though I'm not sure why, it made me think of the Rodgers and Hammerstein song "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music. And I put together this alternate, interpretive version -- a compilation of all things my boy (and a little of my girl thrown in, too). Some of it just might resonate with your experiences. So get your tune ready and sing along! (Yes, I cheated out of a stanza in each series. You get the idea.)
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Julie Andrews sings "My Favorite Things" in Rodgers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music (Robert Wise Productions, 1965) |
Make sure you build in plenty of time for your student with autism's favorite things this holiday season! Share some of your child's favorite things in the comments.