An Arcade Adventure with My Autistic Son

Our second son loves all things gaming. And our 3 and 6 year olds love tagging after their older brother.

And Cooper, our eldest son, he is just starting to take in the world outside of our home. He loves exploring and experiencing the world on his own terms.

He is fourteen years old. He loves trains and postcards with animals on them. He also has autism. He is autistic. And according to some, nonspeaking. But he has so much to say and tell us.

These are his descriptions written on the piece of paper in my drawer in a file marked, Cooper’s Med Stuff.

But in real life, our day to day, we don’t mention that. He’s Cooper.

The arcade was interesting. He didn’t see games to play. Or understand what he was supposed to do there.

Instead, he laid down on the mini golf course and laughed when the green prickly fake grass touched his cheek.

He saw the ski ball game and gasped at the numbers. He also thought the alleyway was a perfect place to sit and was confused when we told him it wasn’t for climbing.

He saw a metal screen and squealed at the noise it made when he tapped it repeatedly. He liked the lights. And sitting at the games with the giant screens. It never crossed his mind to put money in one.

I looked up and made eye contact with two employees as we worked through it.

I smiled. They averted their eyes.

I thought for a second what would I say if I could. What would I say if they were closer?

Would I say it’s autism?

Would I explain his world?

What I would say with confidence is…

He is doing is best. Because that is the truth.

Please know when you see a person with different abilities. Call it a disability. Call it special needs. Call it autism.

Please know that they are doing their best.

Overall, he did great. After we went for ice cream. And then watched a movie.

It was a good day.