Patrick Henry Hughes was born enabled. His father, Patrick John, relates that when Patrick was four months old, the sound of the piano soothed the child, and by the time Patrick Henry was a-one-year old he was playing tunes on the piano. In the ensuing years Patrick Henry learned to play the trumpet and developed his voice.  When Patrick applied to college he wanted to be in the pep band. The band director said ‘no problem’, however, all pep band members were also members of the marching band.   This was somewhat of an obstacle for Patrick since he was born without eyes and had a muscle disease that made him wheelchair-bound. His father said that he’d be willing to move Patrick around in the formations. And so what is extraordinary for some is normal for this family. We talk to the two Patrick’s and hear about their new book, I Am Potential.   Listening to the optimism of the Hughes family, where Patrick is the oldest of three boys, I can’t help but feel the strength and devotion of Patrick Henry’s parents. Eight lessons on living, loving, and reaching your dreams.

“Home for the holidays?” Or, “let’s get this party started?” The holidays can be a stressful time for families under the best of circumstances. For your child with autism, they can be particularly difficult. Familiar routines are out the window and unfamiliar – and sometimes unfair – expectations arise at every turn.

Listen in and hear how to empower your child with autism during this bustling time.  Internationally known award-winning author and columnist Ellen Notbohm (Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew) and San Francisco special needs activist Katy Franklin join “Senior Dad” Stan Goldberg in the Autism Briefing Room, explaining how the holidays effect their children with autism and their friends and families. Hear tips what to do before and during holiday parties and strategies for graceful departure. What to do about gifts and gift lists, and how to handle the lure of those attractive TV commercials?  Ellen and Katy share some of their experiences with their children and what works for them. Some of the lessons we learn apply to teaching and handling all children as well as helping us begin to understand the challenges of a family with a child with autism.

Stan tells of time going fast