Happy birthday to Sebastien, my autistic son, from afar
Sebastien, my autistic son, will turn 24 on June 24th. Recently, a friend told me that this is called a "Rainbow Birthday". I had never heard of this term before. At 48, I have missed mine a long time ago. But I am glad that Seb will get to celebrate his. It is all the more appropriate since he is an artist who communicates with a rainbow of colors. Earlier this year, I had prided myself on finally severing my psychological 'umbilical cord' with Sebastien. Reminding myself th
My Autistic Son's First 'Overnight' Trip with his Carers
Today is an emotional day for me. My carers took the initiative of taking Sebastien, my autistic son, on their first-ever overnight trip with two nature-loving friends whom Sebastien was meeting for the first time. One of the "must-do's" in Bali — the Mt. Batur Trek to catch the sunrise — had seemed impossible. The 4am starting time had made it a daunting prospect ever since Sebastien transformed into an adolescent and young adult who was prone to meltdowns. The last and only
