There is definitely a lot more awareness regarding Autism now than when my son Matthew was a little boy. I remember a trip we took to Texas to visit family. We stayed at a Holiday Inn in Farmer's Branch. The restaurant area was right next to the swimming pool. There were kids laughing and playing and swimming and just being kids while we were eating breakfast. The stimulation was so much for my son that he really couldn't even eat....he just kept rocking back and forth and looking over at the swimming pool. We went down to the pool later and he was so happy. He couldn't talk and vocalized excitement and happiness in a different way......usually by flapping his hands and yelling. An employee of Holiday Inn came to tell me that "his" noise was bothering people in the restaurant. I said he was bothered by noises while trying to eat as well so they would have to "get over it" like he did. Anyway, I was extremely upset and after a few minutes, I did take my son out of the pool. The same lady came to apologize and said he didn't have to leave.......but we did anyway. My son is a 27 year old "non-verbal" man now and there is definitely more "awareness" -------hopefully with awareness comes understanding and acceptance.

Laura Jaquess
Golden, CO