It's like dyslexia - you have to accommodate for yourself. It's Tommy's job to adjust to the world, not the other way round. Tommy's lost the ability to tune out. He can't go away anymore and check out - the ability's gone. But he still gets fixed on things.
Autistic people have no idea they're so different.
Most are relieved people forced them to come out of it. The transition stage is similar to lots of other special needs kids, but more hands-on. We've had lots of support from professional moms and licensed professionals. It's really a great team - balanced, diverse and talented. I have a feeling he'll hit regular Kindergarten.