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“So it’s undeniable that your boys have a special connection. They are always playing together, they’re inseparable. Which is great! Shows they have some good social skills, and motivation to engage in different activities when they do so together.” The therapist exclaimed
The therapist had some things to say about their lack of participation in group exercises and befriending other kids. The parents agreed this was a good idea to work with, but neither Charlie nor Nick’s moms were too concerned about it. Having only one or two friends seemed okay. None of this was of concern to them. Even neurotypical (or non-autistic) kids often only have one or two close friends. That's all you need really.
The moms agreed on a lot and were hitting it off. “Would you maybe want to come over, you and Charlie, to our house?” Nick’s mom asked Charlie’s. “We would love that,” responded Charlie’s mom. “He is going to be so excited!”
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When his mom told him they would be going over to Nick's on Friday, Charlie immediately grabbed his board and handed his mom his “go” symbol. “Aww,” Charlie’s mom cooed. “Sorry love but we have a few days until then.”
She went over to grab the dry-erase board from the kitchen fridge. She drew four squares and labeled them “WED” “THURS” “FRI” and “SAT”.
“This,” she said circling the Wednesday square, “Is today. Wednesday.” Charlie continued to sit patiently.
“This,” she said, making a star around the Saturday square, “Is the day we go to Nick’s house. Saturday.” Charlie’s mom said excitedly, overplaying it to show to Charlie that this day, this square with the star around it, was the day he would see Nick.
She counted each day out for Charlie, showing him how they were 4 days away from going to Nick’s house.
Before they went upstairs to get Charlie ready for bed, his mom brought the dry-erase board out and told him “Look, today is done! Wanna mark today off?” She said pointing to the square and handing him the dry-erase marker.
Charlie gladly scribbled over the square, made his happy noise, and moved around in excitement. He dragged his mom upstairs, ready to go on to tomorrow and get another day closer.