How Our Holidays Have Changed since My Son's Autism Diagnosis

"I want a roll," my son said through clenched teeth, anxiously staring at all the food laid out on the table.

Let's try some turkey too...just a little," I coaxed, feeling embarassed that my sister had slaved all day long, making a huge Thanksgiving meal for us, and my son was about to meltdown over there not being "anything to eat."

No," he said firmly. "A roll. And then I will have some pie."

Another member of my family tried to help. "You can't have pie unless you have something to eat. This is all wonderful food. Eat some of it."

Not helpful.

I could see the pressure getting to him. The other children were joyfully making tons of noise. The adults were laughing, having fun. It was warm and loud. And it was a nightmare for my son.

He clenched his fists.

I got him a roll, and tried to coax him to his chair.

He kicked the chair and refused to sit down.

My family stared at me and the message was clear.

Are you going to let him behave like that?

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To finish reading the full story, visit the Huffington Post: Parents website: http://huff.to/1kTwQBG.