Our Family’s Tips to Conquer the Hurdles of Autism

Hello, my name is Rob Burns and I am the Store Manager of Toys“R”Us Peabody, MA. I am also the father of a child with autism.

Gregory (Greg) is the youngest of my three children. He is 22 now, but was diagnosed with autism when he was three. While this puzzling disorder can strike in many forms, Greg’s classification on the spectrum is under the “umbrella” of PDD (Pervasive Developmental Delay). His diagnosis comes with daily challenges, both good and bad. And, just like the countless people who love a child with autism, my family has learned how to address these difficulties.

My wife Corinne and I, as well as our other children Alison and Ryan, have developed tips to help us overcome challenges that autism tries to put in our way. The biggest issue was Greg’s inability to communicate his needs and desires. This caused as much stress for him as it did for us. One of the ways we conquered this hurdle was with music, which helped Greg crack the “shell” that surrounded him. He enjoys music wherever he is, especially the oldies radio station he listens to during long car trips. You should hear his great rendition of Pretty Woman – just like Roy Orbison to his father’s ears! To this day, Greg’s love of music helps him communicate and expand his vocabulary. It has also benefited the rest of the family, as Greg’s love of music inspired his siblings. Now, Alison sings in the Tanglewood Festival with the Boston Pops, and Ryan will be pursuing a vocal master’s degree in the Fall!

Additional tips that benefited our family in the fight against autism include:

• Send a family picture album to school with your child. This enabled Greg’s teachers to help him improve his communication skills and reduce his anxiety away from home.
• Role-play. Greg would practice communicating and interacting with others by role-playing in front of a mirror.
• Indulge in favorites. The best investment made in our backyard was a tire-swing, similar to ones found in elementary or middle school playgrounds. For years, before we had one in our yard, Greg and I would travel any distance to find a tire swing, even in rain and snow. And it was always worth it to see him so happy.
• Read. Story time at night is a great way to relax and unwind, as well as support auditory, visual and language skills.
• Encourage play with skill-building toys. Many everyday playthings allow children with autism to develop abilities such as communication and social skills while playing along-side siblings and friends. Greg loved the Rock’n Rollin’ Piano, which gave him the ability to create and play his own music while heightening his self esteem. Click here for ten great toys that “speak to autism.”
• Find a school that caters to children with autism. Greg has excelled at centers for children with autism, namely the May Center in Braintree, MA and the League School in Walpole, MA. He is currently enrolled at American Training in Lowell, MA.
• Consider guardianship. The whole family, Alison and Ryan included, became Greg’s legal guardians when he turned eighteen in order to ensure that his health and financial stability would always be taken care of.

On good days, the Burns household is a “bed of roses.”  On other days, autism tries to get the best of us, like when Greg can’t tell us what he’s feeling, how his day was or what he wants for supper. But dedication to overcoming the challenges and stresses caused by autism help us make the best of every situation. I am forever thankful for my wife Corinne’s relentless devotion to making Greg’s journey in life rich and rewarding, and for my other two children’s passion and love in helping their brother excel as he grows.

From a father’s perspective, I know that Greg, as well as other children with autism, have the potential to be the next American Idol or whatever they want. Similar to the story of the “Little Engine That Could” – I know Greg can, I know Greg can.

My last important tip to help conquer the hurdles of this heartbreaking disorder is to get involved. Support organizations like Autism Speaks, which is helping children with autism achieve their true potential through advocacy, awareness and research. Donations are being accepted now through April 30 at Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores and online at Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks. Or, support your local Walk Now for Autism Speaks event. Whatever you do, find something to help solve the autism puzzle.

Respectfully,

Rob Burns

Toys“R”Us Store Manager

Peabody, MA