Adventures in Autism

Michael has a massive vocabulary but articulation is a work in progress. Voice-to-text programs might be a big help. I had him list his 10 favourite Christmas movies, and he was frustrated when they came out misspelled. I've never heard him try so hard to speak so clearly before

I may start a YouTube channel called "What did Michael flush down there this time?" I can usually dislodge the items, but this one was hopeless. We just HAD to break it open to see what was inside. We were no match for his perfectly-wedged deodorant stick

Happy father's day, everyone!

Heartbreaking. Infuriating. Just a kid happily playing at the park. edmonton.ctvnews.ca/no-charges-to-…

The new Schleich catalog is in. Seems like a small thing, but for Michael, who waits all year for it, it’s like an oasis in the desert.

Michael says that's it!! Well done! Crisis averted. Thanks. I owe you a pint.

@Senstwutter Yep

Okay, Michael has another pop song that's been stuck in his head all day. He rarely forgets the names of songs or the date they're published, so not being able to identify this one is really bugging him tonight. Can anyone name this tune for him? soundcloud.com/steve-warne/mi…

@slaframb He says no. But thank you!

@AutismVenture Viva La vida by Coldplay?

Michael gets into the Christmas spirit with a little dance at the Alight at Night Festival at Upper Canada Village.

Coordination and focus have never been Michael’s strong suit. But check out the great progress he’s made in the gym over the past year with his awesome trainer, Austin. That skipping! Wow. Thanks to Austin at Aesthetic Athletics; Glassbox Fitness; and @anytimefitness Manotick.

Whatever your mood is right now, prepare to have it jacked up a couple of notches...

Michael just got summoned for jury duty. That might be interesting.

Now literally making duck noises in the store. Me: Why are you quacking? Michael: Because I’m a duck. A lucky duck!

He’s waited many months, checking for it every Saturday. There aren’t many bigger days in Michael’s world than the day the new @scleich toy catalog finally comes in. Thanks, as always, to the wonderful folks @PlayvalueToys!

Trend setter that he is, Michael insisted tonight on a “Halfway to Christmas” movie festival.

I know the FedEx guys just want to deliver our package and go, but I love that Michael won't ever let them bolt without cheerily getting their details first. Hi! What's YOUR name? Uh. Dave. How old are you, Dave? 38. THANKS for coming!! (Slams door)

Michael wasn't this excited to see The Super Mario Brothers Movie this week. But he was close.

My friend @TishDurkin has a great article this week in Oprah Daily. She delivers some sage advice on life, and describes the extra layer of perspective that's emerged from raising a son with autism. oprahdaily.com/life/relations…

UPDATE: Thank you to Cosmic Adventures for calling to clear things up. Obviously, just a communication mixup on policy. Michael is back in business, headed there for his birthday this weekend and can hardly wait! Thanks to @SamLapradeCFRE for helping Cosmic connect with us.