Family of Four

We could do this. I just knew we could. It just seemed right.

He was smiling. He was happy. He had a great day at school.

He waited patiently for his dinner at the restaurant. He ate everybite. His belly was full.

Transitions in and out of the car were uneventful.

Yes, this was it. This was going to happen. We were going to the movie theater as a family. ALL four of us!

Tickets were pre-purchased and the long line was avoided (P.S. Thank You Fandango)

He joyfully walked through the doors and down the hallway to the designated theater. He even had a skip in his step as we found 4 seats together. He pulled down the seat and sat down. He donned his noise cancelling headphones, and appeared to enjoy looking around at all of the other movie goers.

FINALLY, the four of us together in one place about to enjoy a movie as a family.

A few minutes passed, and the lights dimmed and the bright screen illuminated. As the action flashed on the screen... I saw it, I knew it...

He was not going to be able to do it. He could not look at the screen. The sights and sounds were just too overwhelming. He pointed to the EXIT and signed "HELP". He got out of his seat and bolted for the doors. I left with him and walked through the cinema hallway, hoping to ease his anxiety. I tried multiple times to get him to go back in, but he simply could not do it.

HIM not being able to do it = US not being able to do it..Autism divided this family again.

1 hour and 36 minutes later, our family reunited.

Family Of Four, But Admit Only 2