My Autism Insights

It’s been around for well over a decade, but Pokemon is still going strong, and my kids are part of the new generation of aspiring trainers and masters following along with Ash on his quest.  Who knew it would actually help Gus to  socialize!

The beach wasn’t very crowded today probably because it was quite windy.  Gus was having a blast running up and down with his towel flapping behind him like a big parachute, trying to let the wind sweep him up.  He was completely immersed and happy in his own little game.  That was until a little girl and her mom showed up and set up their blanket near us.  The girl had Pokemon! 

Gus and M swooped down on the poor kid, but she didn’t seem to mind in the least.  On the contrary, within minutes they were talking attacks and evolution as if they’d known each other for years - the three of them!  Eventually, M and the girl (J I think) went in the water, while Gus continued to play with the Pokemon on his own.  Another little boy squatted down next to him.  My stomach clenched.  This would usually be the time when Gus would say something off topic and would get a strange look from the child trying to befriend him and not understanding the communication gap.  Except today, the Pokemon talk was completely ON topic!  He carried on a conversation with another child all on his own!

Pokemon Masters in the house, c’mon let’s raise the roof!*

The Pokemon play must have given him some confidence because later, he got into a game of Duck, Duck, Goose with a few other kids. 

Pokemon has had a profound effect on our lives today.

*from What Kind of Pokemon Are You - Pokemon Live!

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 13th, 2008 at 8:31 pm and is filed under Asperger's, autism, beach, progress, social skills, socialization, success stories, summer activities. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Edit this entry.