Autism Spectrum Disorders Health Center

"We Need to Pull Ryan into This World"

Looking ahead continued...

Amid all those tense meetings, Nicole temporarily shifted her attention to a more celebratory event: Ryan’s 3rd-birthday party. She and Tim were initially hesitant about throwing a big party at an indoor play gym, worrying that the people, loud music, and new place might be too much for Ryan — but in the end, they just went for it. They invited 16 children, including their friends’ kids, Ryan’s sisters, and a few children from church. At the party, he and the other kids climbed on padded equipment, popped bubbles, and snuck underneath a big parachute. When Nicole asked, “Are you having fun?” Ryan replied, “Yeah, I do.” Then it was time to sing “Happy Birthday.” Ryan, without protest, sat in the middle of a circle, surrounded by friends and family, smiling all the way through.

Originally published on June 17, 2008

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