Feeling Good About Something

Alan goes to a special needs session at the Teen Center every Monday afternoon. He can stay from 2 until 5. He usually calls me on his cell phone to come and pick him up at 4:27 p. m. That's quite a long time to be in a social situation for him.

Usually, several boys go to play basketball at the beginning. On the very first day, a boy named Mikey said Alan could be on his team. He sent the ball to Alan and expected Alan to shoot it back to him so he, Mikey, could try for a basket. Being autistic, Alan did not recognize this unwritten agreement. Alan caught the ball and sprinted down the court to try for a basket. Again, Mikey got the ball and again sent it to Alan. And, as you have guessed, Alan sprinted down to try for a basket. Mikey really did not like this. He did not see Alan as a team player. After that, I witnessed Mikey playing aggressively one-on-one with Alan. At this point, I left it to the supervising adult and I presume it got worked out. I told you all that to tell you this.

On Monday, after playing basketball, Alan went to the machine to buy water for the first time. He put in two dollars and got back 3 quarters in change. He went over to the table hockey game and put in two of his quarters. Mikey came along. Alan decided to let him play. He also decided that whoever won the game would get the unopened bottle of water. Mikey won, 7 to 6. Alan gave him the bottle of water. I asked Alan if Mikey asked him for it, and Alan told me that he had thought of giving it to whoever won. Maybe Alan has gained some idea of unwritten social rules now.