frazzled & frumpy

This is Hunter. He's 12. Hunter was diagnosed with high-functioning Autism when he was four. We've passed the days when he wore the same clothes for weeks at a time and when he cried over a change as small as rearranging furniture. He's a smart kid, he does well in school. On the academic side. He struggles with social interactions, but he's learning. He makes me laugh. A lot. For example, just today. We went to the doctor's office for the required booster shot for 7th grade. "You mean I can't go to jr. high without this shot?" "Yep, that's the rule." He was almost shaking. I tried without success to reassure him. When we got into the room, he looked like he might melt into a puddle on the floor. I had to hold his arms. "Just look at my face and count with me." He squirmed. "Hold still. Count. One. Two. (Shot goes in.) Three. Four. Five. Six." Done. "What, done? You're done?"  The nu...

While at our reunion last month, I gave my camera to Hunter and told him to take some pictures. I didn't know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised.  He definitely gave me a different perspective on the ranch. It's interesting what kids notice. (The self-portraits are my favorite.)