Yes, Virginia, things will work out fine
Posted by Trixter on January 28, 2009
Our 12-yr-old son Sam is autistic, as I have written before. While we are thankful he is somewhat high-functioning, it is a constant battle. From (re)enforcing proper hygiene, to worrying about his future, even weathering the occasional act of violence, life with Sam is a constant adjustment, filled with stress. Recently he has developed a verbal tic, a soft “hmm” that repeats once every two breaths on the exhale. Since this is involuntary, and since increased involuntary tics can be the result of incorrect medication dosage or the sign of wonderful new symptoms to look forward to, this is usually cause for concern, and more worry.
But we’re not worried. At least, not by this in the short term. Why?
Melissa and I were talking about this new development tonight, and we usually discuss anything around Sam because 99.997% of the time he’s in his own world and not paying attention. Melissa asked me, “Do you think we should bring this up to his doctor?” To our utter shock, Sam replied out of nowhere with “It’s my autism, guys. I just can’t help it.”
Sometimes you get what you need right when you need it.
As I type this, Sam is heartily laughing at the same 10 seconds of a Spongebob Squarepants episode he is replaying over and over. I can’t help but laugh along with him.
Oldskooler Ramblings 
Melissa Leonard said
Actually, I said “Are you worried about that “hmm” sound? But, still, it was pretty amazing!! Those kind of laughs help so much! Another great memory I have is the time we were all in the car together and we decided to swing by Dunkin’ Donuts and Sam and Max were so happy and Sammy said to Max: We’re rich, Max! Rich in doughnuts!” :-)