"See Andrew's Dragon?"

Last week while Elaina was at school, Emily went to Marshall’s to buy a birthday present She took along with her the other three children. Alone. When she told us this on the phone, we both screamed loudly. No one in her right mind takes a baby and two autistic boys shopping without substantial help. The carts were too small to fit everyone into, so Molly rode while both boys walked. A few months ago this would have read both boys instantly disappeared out the door and walked quickly straight in any random direction. But now they stayed around Emily pretty well. Andrew spotted a stuffed animal identical to “Noah’s Elephant.” Noah casually picked up the elephant and carried it with him. Andrew said, “Noah’s Elephant!” Emily explained that Noah’s Elephant was at home, but that this one was just like it. In a moment, he had picked up a little multicolored dragon and announced, “Andrew’s Dragon.” Emily asked if he would like to buy it, and he said, “Yes.” Thereafter, Andrew walked all over the store showing everyone in the store his present and asking, “See Andrew’s Dragon?” When they were ready to leave, all of the checkers knew about Andrew and his Dragon. Each cheerfully called to him to come to their register. Emily explained to Noah that his Elephant was at home, and he freely and pleasantly let her leave his substitute at the counter. Outside, the boys walked carefully together holding hands. But Emily decided not to go on to Target as planned.

Six months ago, strangers did not exist for Andrew. He didn’t relate to them at all. If someone tried to speak to him or give him a hug, he would frantically cry out, “NO! NO! NO! NO!” His speech was limited to a few practical words for basic needs. Now he is the life of the party charming every stranger in the place.

It is a miracle.

David came home from work last week to find the toilet unflushed with a poop in it. Emily couldn’t figure out how Andrew had done it as he always cheerfully bids farewell to his functions: “Bye, bye poop!” The next day it happened again, but this time it was clear that Noah had pooped and wiped. No more poopy diapers after almost seven years! It is a miracle.

T. Sadd 9/19/05