Andreas: Help for Autistic Families in Slovakia

For parents without parents is a project, that gives parents of children with autism an opportunity to gain new strengths. In Autistic center Andreas we organize short time stays for children with autism. During that time their parents can devote their time and energy to their own hobbies and activities.

Since February to June 2014 we had organized twenty two-day stays for ten grown-up "children" with autism. 20-years old Jakub has canistherapy and music therapy sessions during his stays.

Music that calms down

When Jakub was 8 years old, he visited folklore ensemble with typical children for several weeks. He learned songs and dances there. Sometimes he joined the group, other times he played by himself nearby... Jakub still likes music very much. He has his own iPad, and knows how to use it. He plays songs his brother uploaded for him. Jakub has regular music therapy sessions in Autistic center Andreas. He likes to drum and sing.

Animal friends

Dogs, small ones, bigger and even the biggest, are so interesting to Jakub that he forgets everything else when he meets one. His attention focuses only on them. You have to pay attention, because such meetings might not equally please the dog, or the dog-owner. Once in two weeks Jakub has canistherapy in Autistic center Andreas. He looks forward to meeting black Labrador named Tin-Tin whom he can give various commands. He simply loves animals. A stranger sometimes catches Kubko's attention. He then approaches him and stares intensely into his eyes (not particularly typical for people with autism). This is also not very pleasant for everyone. Trained Tin-Tin does not mind :-)

New teeth

Jakubko wears diapers during the night. He manages some basic hygienic tasks during the day, but during the night he is unable to wake up a go to the toilet, though he is already twenty years old. But the biggest stress for Jakub is a visit to the dentist. Teeth are nightmares of our family. Jakub's front teeth eventually felt apart. At present moment he wears a denture. Jakub underwent some painful and traumatizing experiences while his teeth were being corrected. Jakub tolerates twice the amount of anesthesia than regular people. Even though there had to be two of us and another two assistants holding him during the surgery.

Christmas tree also in summer

There are many things Jakub, unlike his peers, can't do. He can't blow his nose without assistance, he can't properly wash himself, can't brush his teeth. It is necessary to control him during dressing; otherwise he might put a part of clothing on the reverse. He can't read or write. Even though he learned to count to twenty, he is unable to connect the numbers with real life. He doesn't understand how the days, weeks, months or years pass. He is willing to decorate a Christmas tree in the garden during summer.

Daily rituals

Jakub always carries walnuts - in his hands, or in the pockets of his trousers or jacket. They are like talismans for him. He holds at least two in his hands, all the time, even while he sleeps. A nut in his hand means security for him. During his leisure time he likes to twist colorful shoelaces. He twists them with such mastery and speed that they are almost invisible to the observer. Jakub can do it for hours.

Eternal child

In some ways Jakub will forever be like a child. Like a nice, naive, sometimes unpredictable boy, who knows no lie, treachery, human evil, or hatred. Jakub is a man of goodwill. A big child someone has to watch all the time, guard his safety and protect his world. We are forced to enter his private sphere all the time, even though it is not quite appropriate at the age of twenty. We try to come closer to each other to understand each of us better and better. We try to read in his face, sometimes happy and laughing, but at other times sad, desperate, or tense, every day. All of us - mother, father, and brother.