| I have two siblings who are autistic. One is currently studying Artificial Intelligence and the other writes software for media environments (mainly TV). Both struggle with communication skills (empathy... they take EVERYTHING literally... they don't know when someone is disinterested...). One is 24 the other 31. Both are 'aware' of their Autism. As both write software as part of their pursuits, I asked them what got them into software. They referred to one single experience that started them on their paths. Funny as they have a large generation gap and went to different schools. They told me about this robot they had in school. You would program steps (move forward 1 step... turn left 90 degrees.. move forward 10 steps.. etc.) and it would action them. They both became obsessed with it because in their eyes they were communicating with something and it was responding in a predictable and literal way. Both stated they found the predictability of software comforting. I asked about software, and they said they would still recommend physical toys. Their reasoning was, even though they struggle with social skills, learning from apps would have further forced them to remain indoors.. reclusive.. Having a physical toy meant they were forced to interact with other people and learn from it. You have Autistic son, so you'll understand his personality better than me. But if he shares the same traits as my siblings, then perhaps getting one of those toys will help. Lastly, it warms my heart that you're taking his situation into account. It's controversial, but Autism can become a disability. But it can also become a trait which benefits someone in a way non-autistic people could ever attain. Apologies if this is patronising, but having an autistic child can be difficult, but it sounds like you're on a better than worse path. :) |