@LeslieRobinsonCreasmanBanks-Well last year was a disaster at Brookfield Zoo. One twin wanted Lays chips and the concession stand was not open yet. She had a meltdown right then and there. We had them dressed so nice in all those wonderful colors. Everybody was happy and things were moving along so good until the chips. Instant disaster, but I try to have a plan in place whenever this happens. My daughter lost it and almost started to cry, everybody was hot and irritated because it was a scorcher in Chicago, but I tried to focus on the child and re-direct her attention.

Of course it did not help when while trying to keep her from hitting the ground during he meltdown, someone called the police and said we were attacking the child. To prevent scratching and since I am 6 feet tall, I placed my arms around the child in a protective manner to hold her in place so that she would not harm herself, and my daughter had to grab her hands to keep her from scratching her face until it bled. As crazy as this all looked to outsiders, we were used to it and had to do our best. I explained this to the police immediately and I am actually glad that someone called, because suppose we were kidnappers? You always want folks paying attention to a child screaming no matter where you are.

As for this year, Leslie I sure hope that the children enjoy the newly remodeled Chuckie Cheese in Chicago. I stopped going because Chuckie was serving beer and wine to the parents. I thought that was completely tasteless because children and alcohol do not go together, but since that time, there have been many improvements.

Also on the schedule we have the fancy cupecake store in Wicker Park. I know it is a sugar rush, but hey...it's their birthday. Then we will go to Lucky Strikes on Superior in Chicago. They have a special during the weekdays for bowling which includes bowling, shoes, the game and snacks. The place is wonderful and I love it myself. Then they have the AMC theatre as soon as you come out of the bowling alley and we plan on seeing Despicable Me 2.

Gordon, I think is his last name. not sure. He's a homicide detective.
What do you have planned for their birthday? I have twin sisters and they hated when people got them one gift to share. That never made sense to me either.

@LeslieRobinsonCreasmanBanks-glad to have caring people like yourself working for Fema. I know a lot of police officers with the first name of Xavier, but as long as he is a good guy, he is ok with me. Anyway, the twins birthday is July 31st. That is the first day of my vacation. Been doing it like that for years. My sergeant and Lieutenant both make out the schedule way in advance because they already know grandma got more seniority than anybody here.

Having said that, I have tried to explain that although I am grandma, am I the only person who knows about triggers, meltdowns, anxiety and loud sounds and sensor issues. No I am not, but you would think I am the way they have not prepared anything yet for the twins. I tried to volunteer for this, but the rest of the family shut me down because my daughter, my sister and others do not want to appear insensitive to the kids.....but they are still clueless and become agitated themselves when I try to talk about autism.

I will however do reservations, prepare online purchases and research locations for activities for children...especially special needs children. I like to be prepared even if they refuse the help....it will be there anyway because its all about the kids to me. I love the happiness on their faces when they are able to participate in fun things especially their birthday.

@A MyAutismTeam Member. I was just in Chicagoland! I work for FEMA and was there for the flooding. Worked in Southside, Woodlawn in particular. Fun. Do you know Xavier, gosh, I can't think of his last name. He's a cop for the city. Anyway, regarding your tardy family and friends, start doing what we do, tell everyone 30 minutes ahead of time, to be there. And arrive at your appointed time. If they complain, explain why. But no one has ever noticed that we do that.

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@A MyAutismTeam Member, Sometimes you need to educate others on how to cope/be around/talk/behave etc. around your twins. I know we need to intervene from time to time. Our son was at a restaurant that had Kareoke. He kept going and sitting down at other peoples table and chatting with them when there was a chair free.
Since he looks "normal", they didn't understand until the owner went over and explained. We were embarrassed for a bit. Explained to our son that we don't go over to other peoples tables. But in the end, it was funny as hell.

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