AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Okay. I know he’s autistic even without a formal diagnosis.” I sit on the edge of the bed and reach for a notepad in the bedside table.
“Where on the spectrum would you place him?”
“High-functioning, for sure. And verbal. If it weren’t for the oddities to the untrained eye, he would be a normal child.”
“So, what are some of the things you’ve seen—oh shit! Freddy! Come back here you little dipshit!”
Sounds of tumbling litter the background and it appears as though Shawn has dropped the phone. A few moments later, he returns breathing heavily.
“Sorry about that. Freddy got out of his cage and off his leash.”
“Give the little darling some freedom.” I laugh as I think about the little chihuahua who keeps Shawn on his toes with his escapades.
“Freedom my ass. Anyway. Enough of Freddy. What is this kid doing that makes you think he’s on the spectrum?”
“I kind of had some clues the first week. You should see this kid’s playroom. Not a pin out of place.Andhe’s putting together a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle. There’s also being a stickler for routine. Right now, he’s taking a nap after lunch like he does every day. And we have to go through the whole thing of putting on pajamas, etc. Then there’s the usual stuff like being over sensitive and slow to warm up to strangers.”
“Sounds like an open and shut case, so why do you need me?”
“Because you’re the professional and have much more experience under your belt than I do. And I have a parental issue.”
“Denial?”
“Pretty much.” I sigh and throw myself backward on the bed staring up at the ceiling.
“No parent wants to hear that their ‘normal’ kid isn’t so normal.”
“I can’t help but feel like I made a mess in telling his father that I think he’s autistic. He hit the roof.”
“It’s shock and denial.”
“I know. But what do I do now?”
“Says she who knows exactly why she called me. When can I meet him?”
“The child or the father?” I smile. Shawn usually reads me like a book.
“The child, of course. I know this was not a pleasure call just to hear this little canine spawn of satan tearing my house up.”
“Well, right now we’re in Florida. So, it would have to be sometime in a week or two when we get back.”
“Okay. Just call the office when you’re ready and make the appointment.”
“Thanks a million, Shawn. I really appreciate this. What will I owe you?”
There is silence and I know both our thoughts go to his younger sister, Sherry. I saved her life in college – literally. And when Shawn had said he was forever in my debt and anything I needed within his power would be mine, he had not been joking. As a child psychologist, he has come in quite useful with my students.
“I take it back,” I say quietly.
“Good. I’ll see you when you get back. I’d love to meet the little fellow. And as for handling his father, let time take care of that, okay?”
“Okay. Thanks again.”
“You’re welcome. And enjoy Florida. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Even though I am on the phone, I feel my cheeks go red. That advice would have come in handy yesterday at this time.
“Talk to you soon, Shawn.”
