Expert: James Michael Roan - 11/15/2009

Question
Since my brother-in-law passed away a few months ago, his wife has been grieving, cooped up inside the house.  She is finally getting out for a trip to Chicago with a friend and I have agreed to bring our autistic nephew to stay with my family for a few days. His mother said Nathan's only concern was that I wait to pick him up after work (school). Of course he likes his routines and will probably spend much of his time here pacing.  Still, I would like for him to find some enjoyment in his visit.  Is there anything we can do or places we could take him that would be enjoyable for him?  Nathan is 35 years old, he is very quiet and will answer when spoken to. He enjoys his routines and besides his work(school) he is usually home with his mother and doesn't get a lot of stimulation besides activities planned with his school.   

Thank you for your help.

Dawn  

Answer
Hi Dawn;

Please understand that I do not, at any time, attempt to diagnose or rule out a diagnosis or condition over the Internet.

To make him happy stay away from loud noisy places an lots of people. Let him engage in his routines and favorite activities. Make transitions gentle, predictable and easy for him.

Kind regards,
James

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While James Michael Roan has attempted to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, the information is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. The purpose of this web site is to provide information to families with children, teens, and adults with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delay. James Michael Roan does not prefer any one organization to another, and it is not responsible for the information listed on an organization's web site, or any disseminated information either verbal or written. Please be advised we are not giving medical advice and that circumstances can dictate different treatments. If these issues affect you or your loved ones you should seek professional advice. This site is operated for informational purposes only. At no time will James Michael Roan attempt to diagnose or dismiss a potential diagnosis over the Internet. We hope that you find our resources useful.


Bio

James Roan is a certified school psychologist who has been consulting in the areas of autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and learning difficulties in the United States and in Ireland for over ten years (http://www.jamesroan.com). James earned his M.Ed. in School Psychology and M. Ed. in Adult Education and receives ongoing post graduate training in autism at the University of Washington’s Autism Center. James Roan has traveled to Galway, Limerick, Mayo, Clare, Dublin, Cork, Waterford, and other cities and counties across Ireland assessing children and adults, and consulting with solicitors (lawyers) in defense of children with disabilities. James Roan was the consulting assessment professional responsible for many of the autism and AD/HD screening tools and other content for Access Special Needs.Com. James Roan consulted with the graduate department of the Waterford Institute of Technology in Waterford Ireland in the development of their graduate program for the certification of private autism tutors. James has conducted formal assessments of students in the Autism Unit in the Claddagh National School in County Galway Ireland.