My son has Autism and it is difficult to get him to respond to nearly anything that he hasn't already had an interest in, in the past. He likes a few things and is obsessive about them, usually babbling on about his interest and playing by himself. One day I tried to get him to look through my 8" Newtonian but he refused with a 'panic tone' in his voice. Something about Aliens seeing us. Apparently he thought 'if we could see them then obviously they could see us'. Anyway it took quite some time for me and my daughter to convince him that they (Aliens) could not see us and that he should have a look though the Scope.
One night he took me up, although a little tentative, he saw Jupiter and the four main moons. It was a quick look and he rushed inside and hid under the bed with his toy 'ray-gun' for protection. A few weeks later he approached me and pointed quietly at the Scope. I set everything up in the garden with a foot stool up so he could look with relative ease at Saturn. He stood there observing quietly for a short time and then started to talk excitedly. His words were not totally clear but rushed and compreseed a little. I was use to this and so I could understand him partially guessing at times. He was so excited his hands flapped away (a trait of Autism). Months and months later he still tells his school friends and teachers about seeing (and visiting) Saturn and Jupiter. Which too me is fantastic as he basically keeps to himself at school. Now he likes to look at the stars and the moon with his 10 x 25 Bino's and sometimes my 10 x 50's although he finds them a little heavy.
Astronomy has brought him out of his shell a fair bit and for this I am happy and feel less guilty about spending the money on myself. I took up astronomy because beside having an interest, it gave me something to do. He need a fair bit of attention and as a single parent of two, I find it a bit "challenging". His antics hinder me in many ways and he will not accept and babysitter. (It's non stop but I love both kids dearly). Only when he is asleep can I do something for myself. ( I can't even hang the washing out without him being with me to prevent total panic) Now however since he has experienced my astronomy interest, I can go outside and observe without too much fuss as long as he can see me though the window or comes out with me. I can accassionally promt him to take another look but usually he happily uses his Bino's. Unfortunately when he is finished so am I, which means I have to packup and take it inside. Astronomy has had a grand positive effect on my son. If he ever needs less 'absolute attention' and I can get a part time job I will buy him his own Scope.
If you know anyone with an Autistic child I would sincerely suggest you offer their parents a chance for the child to veiw the sky, even just the moon. It could be theriputic and I promise it will bring a smile to your face too.
Steven A
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