Luggage, locks, and thermometers. That’s what my son is fascinated with these days. My son, Braden, is 8 and has autism. Rolling luggage – If it doesn’t have wheels it doesn’t have relevance. Locks – any style, shape, or size. Thermometers – round and have the old fashioned needle pointing to a number like a classic speedometer. New age digital thermometers don’t interest him.

He wants to touch every single lock or thermometer he sees. And he wants to extend the handle on any rolling luggage and pull it around, wether it’s at a store or at home or wherever. We have no clue why he’s so fascinated with these things. He has always liked things that spin, so the rolling luggage and the thermometers I can somewhat understand. But the locks? I don’t know where that one came from.

Follow up:

Oh, he still loves to touch and spell and read every stop sign he walks past too.

Speaking of the past, though in a slightly different manner, within the last week Braden is recalling the past to us. This has never happened until now! Ok, you might be wondering what I mean. For starters, Braden spontaneously used the word ‘yesterday’ when he was speaking to us, and he used it correctly. Whoa! Whenever he talks it has always been about the here and now. And usually about getting his needs met, like food or entertainment. But this week he began speaking about events that occurred in the past. That is huge!

“Went to the store yesterday,” he said. “Suitcases.” While on vacation during Thanksgiving in the Seattle, Washington area we went to the mall. And when we went into a major department store he saw the luggage section. Yes, he rolled it here and there and everywhere. He rolled it around so much the store should have to sell it as ‘used’ now. The big deal here is that our son is now talking about what happened yesterday.

#@%&+§! When he and I were discussing the store and the luggage I was damn near having my first real conversation with my son! I couldn’t believe it! We were laughing and talking about what we did yesterday.

But I’m grounded. I know it wasn’t a real bona fide conversation. I was doing most of the talking. But it was close enough for me. Braden may not have got out too many words, but the thoughts were there. We were thinking about the same event and laughing and sharing our thoughts. And he started the topic! It was an exchange of words that originated in his mind and first sprouted from his mouth.

Wow. These little milestones are so special to parents of children with autism. And this Dad is proud. We’re talking teary eyed and smiling proud. That’s my boy.

Who knows, before long he may be talking 100 miles per hour like his Mom. I’ll buy him all the luggage, locks, and thermometers he wants!