Autism Speaks, Community, In Their Own Words, A Grandparents Day Tribute

A Grandparents Day Tribute

Editor's note: We asked members of our community to write tributes to their grandparents, or to share personal experiences as the grandparent of a person with autism, in honor of Grandparents Day. Below are some of the many responses we received. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors exclusively. Submissions may have been edited for length and/or clarity.

My two-and-a-half-year old was diagnosed almost a year ago. My parents have been wonderful; they do everything they can to help. They talk about it with others and they have found out a lot of information that I am really happy to have. People have said that although it is hard for parents to come to terms with autism, it is worse for the grandparents. Not in my case, as my mom

and dad they will do anything for my son. I love them very much.
- Submitted by Keagan Abramowicz

Tyler is my oldest grandson of three – he has autism. We lived together for his first two years. As many stories go, he started his life just fine and at 16 months, he quit doing and saying anything. On September 16, he will be six years old. He has his struggles, but with the help of God, his school district and his family, he is progressing slowly but surely. Although

he is extra hyper, active, has a short attention span and is insecure, he is very friendly and loving. As his grandparent, I have more patience with him, and yes, I do spoil him (just a little!) I see how hard it is for my son and daughter-in-law to deal with three boys who are all partially non-verbal. Tyler knows a few words in sign language but you have to know him to understand him. He is a beautiful child inside and out and is very intelligent. With a lot of attention, I believe in my heart that he will be a success. After all, he has a grandma that would sacrifice everything for him. Happy Grandparents Day to all and may God bless!
- Submitted by Barbara Guttmann

Here is a picture of my handsome son Michael, who has Asperger's Syndrome, with his Grandma Gerri. We are lucky to have my parents be there for us as I struggle to raise him alone.
– Submitted by Lisa Cruz

Just a note of thanksgiving for our seven-year-old grandson, Cooper Bradshaw Chamness. We have 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Cooper is our special grandson who has autism. He has taught us so much and is a special blessing, and we wouldn't want to change a "hair" on his head. He is very high-functioning and a very inquisitive young man. His intelligence is amazing. He is a very loving and caring young man, although he often wants to be "in charge" and we have to re-direct him. We are also thankful for all the research and help received by those who are working for a solution to the growing number of children and adults affected by autism.
- Submitted by Judy and Wayne Masters

My grandson Nicolas came and spent the summer with us. He lives in Connecticut and I am in North Carolina. Here is a photo of him when I took him fishing for the first time. This picture shows him with his first fish that he caught. We were able to do a lot of things like horseback riding, bowling and he got to try surfing. When it was time for him to go home, it was a sad

day at our house. His grandfather and I enjoyed having him with us, even though he wore us out. Lots of energy in five-year-olds! My grandson's name is Nicolas McDaniels and I am his proud grandmother!
– Submitted by Kathy Fairfax

When God made Grandma Polly, he certainly made her with his own hands to take care of Brandon. My mom gave up her life to care for my son Brandon who is now eleven and not a second goes by when we take this for granted … angels come in many forms and ours is Grandma Polly. For all you do and continue to do, we are forever grateful.
- Submitted by Brandon, Meghan, Merlynda and Bobby Bissoon

What would we do without our wonderful grandparents? Hardly survive! Our children, Kaily, eight, and Riley, five, are both on the spectrum diagnosed within six months of each other in 2006. It was a shock to our system and a big change to how we thought our life would be! Instead of soccer practice, we have therapy, therapy and lots of therapy! My parents, Phil and Eloise Georgen, live

two miles from our house and are a big reason why our children are able to do so well! Phil and Eloise spend most days with one or both our children, getting to know them and entering their worlds which at times to others can seem quite difficult and strange. But they accept them for who they are and love them just the same and it makes all the difference in their lives! They also do frequent sleepovers which the kids love and gives the parents a break! In fact last year Kaily and Riley's dad ran the NYC Marathon for Autism Speaks and the kids got to spend three nights with their grandparents! Lucky for us all!!
- Submitted by Kathleen Georgen

We are extremely fortunate that Carter's grandparents on both sides have been supportive through our ASD journey. Grandma Ronnie and Grandpa Carl have been babysitting Carter so Mommy could work part-time since he was three months old. When we got the diagnosis at 22 months, they were right beside us. Grandma was there for our first EI

meeting and was an active part of Carter's home therapies (ABA, speech, OT). Once he started school, she became involved in that as well – dropping off and picking him up, attending functions, being my moral support at CPSE meetings. They take him on fun adventures to the beach, parks, the mall, restaurants. Even with the obvious difficulties of getting around town with a four-year-old on the spectrum, they take him everywhere. Carter has had many great experiences because Grandma and Grandpa don't ignore his issues while trying to get him out in the world. They are so caring and we are unbelievably lucky to have them living so close to us. This photo is of Carter and Grandpa at Citifield for Carter's first-ever baseball game. Thanks for allowing the opportunity to let everyone know that great in-laws do exist!!
– Submitted by Jill Silverstein, Walk Now for Autism Speaks '09, Team Lima Bean

I am 65 years old, retired and married to the same man for 45 years. I have four wonderful grandchildren. My oldest grandson is nine years old. His name is Alex, he lives in Seattle and he has Asperger's Syndrome. When Alex was five years old he told me that I was perfect. When he was six, he told me that I was getting old but was still very cute. When he was seven he told my husband (grandpa) that he was the smartest person in the world. At eight, he realized his mistake. Recently, when my husband and I were visiting Seattle, Alex climbed in

our bed, touched grandpa's stomach and said, “Grandpa David, you are getting ... oh, I have to use my impulse control. Please grandpa, tell my dad that I controlled my impulses.” My husband went down the stairs and praised Alex to his dad. Then Alex proudly said, “See dad, I did not tell grandpa that he is getting fat!” So you see, Alex keeps us honest. Alex helps us keep things in perspective. He is one of the great joys of our lives. His autism is a special gift to loving grandparents.
– Submitted by Patricia Simon

I would like to acknowledge my Papa Magryta for being so loving and understanding. He takes special time to learn about Asperger's and always takes the extra time I need to focus. He is always encouraging my interests and looks for special outings when he is here visiting that we can spend time doing together. I know how much my Papa loves me and I hope he knows that I love him very much, too.
- Submitted by Tanner James Flores

Both of my grandsons are on the spectrum. The oldest one has Asperger's and the younger one is on the moderate-to-severe end of the autism spectrum. I made the decision this spring to quit my full time job and go live with my son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons and join them on this lifelong journey. That was the best choice I've ever made!

Everyone tells me my son and his family are blessed to have me, but I'm the one that's truly blessed. Every day is a new challenge and a new adventure. I love my grandsons with all my heart and am very glad to be a small part in helping to make everyone's lives a little easier. Anyone out there on the fence about a decision like this, just do it!! My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner!
– Submitted by Susan Vousden

Bradlee is my eight-year-old grandson who has autism. He is one of four grandchildren and each one is special in their own way. Bradlee's sister, Brynn, and his cousins, Jonna and Hunter, have helped him in every way possible! As we try to teach our grandchildren they also teach us.
– Submitted by Jeff Walker

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If you have a story you wish to share about your personal experience with autism, please send it to editors@autismspeaks.org. Autism Speaks reserves the right to edit contributions for space, style and content. Because of the volume of submissions, not all can be published on the site.