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There have been days this summer that we cant get Peter to change his focus for more than a few moments at a time. That is one of the challenges for people with an autistic spectrum disorder. They can sway from no focus to hyper focus. Both make it challenging to learn and socialize.
On Tuesday night, we took the family to the Dutchess County Fair. I was hopeful that the weather was nice enough that Peter could concentrate on the rides and food. As we headed north, Peter gave the family an Irene Hurricane update, and I wondered if this was a sign of the way the night would go.
He has been tracking the hurricane for days. Then about half way there Peter asked, Does this place have food too? Now there is a focus that makes me feel like things are getting back to normal.
We all had a wonderful night filled with rides, food and music. If you were in the right part of the fairgrounds you could hear the music from the mainstage.
Travis Tritt was a treat, while we ate some dinner. Does the Fair have food? Peter sampled quite a few, including pizza, fried dough, fried dough oreos and ice cream. At one point he requested a hot dog. He was pretty determined, even though he had already eaten at least two dinners by my count. Charlotte realized he wanted it because the vendor sign said Petes Hot Dogs. How could Peter resist?
Peter loves rides, especially those that spin. We find that all that spinning often encourages good verbal communication. By the middle of the evening, he was making funny remarks with a smirk that tells me he is doing it on purpose. It was one of the most regular nights he has had since the cruise back in early July. As if knowing I needed to know the day was really going well, Peter said, The fair is like a dream.
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