30.10.09

Rufus

Rufus is 10 years old, diagnosed with autism six years ago, and is currently in 5th grade in a full inclusion setting in a small elementary school in Baltimore. He has some significant challenges in communication and behaviors, but he is a generally happy boy with lots of smiles. While talking is difficult for Rufus, music (on an electronic keyboard), drawing (paper or computer) and surfing the web are activities that he excels at. He's also picking up skills in his second season on the Special Hockey team, The Baltimore Saints. While there are challenges in raising an autistic child there are unique joys that I would never trade away.