Sarah Thompson recently opened up about her son, Ethan, who was diagnosed with autism and hyperlexia at the age of two. Since they began playing Pokémon Go together, she has witnessed incredible changes in his behavior. “I introduced Ethan to Pokémon Go last night, and it’s been nothing short of amazing,” Sarah shared. “After he caught his first Pokémon at a local café, he was jumping for joy! He dashed outside to catch more, and a nearby boy recognized what he was doing. Suddenly, they had something in common.”
Typically, Ethan struggles with eye contact, especially with unfamiliar faces. “He might look at family and close friends, but strangers? Hardly ever,” she explained. “However, when he’s engaged in Pokémon Go, it’s like all those usual barriers fade away.”
The game has not only encouraged Ethan to socialize but has also prompted him to step outside his rigid routine. A family friend mentioned that there were several Pokémon nearby at the park, and surprisingly, Ethan insisted on going. “He NEVER wants to go to the park in the evening because it’s outside his comfort zone,” Sarah noted. “He’s usually very set in his ways, but that night, he was eager to go, and we were absolutely floored!”
Once at the park, Ethan began interacting with other children right away. “I was in disbelief! He was actually engaging with kids. Should I laugh or cry?” his mom reflected. “There were adults hunting Pokémon too, and they were encouraging him, saying things like, ‘There’s one just around the corner, buddy! Go for it!’ And he would run off, laughing, and even look back to say, ‘THANK YOU!’ It was astonishing!”
Since starting the game, Ethan has even become more expressive outside of play. Sarah shared a moment when he spoke to their pharmacist for the first time, excitedly discussing his new favorite activity. “The pharmacist leaned in and told me, ‘That’s the most he’s ever said to me, and I’ve known him since he was a baby,’” she recalled with pride.
Despite the mixed reviews Pokémon Go has received since its launch, this story highlights the positive effects it can have. “My autistic child is socializing, talking to people, smiling, and engaging in conversations with total strangers,” Sarah expressed. “This is AMAZING!”
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on artificial insemination. And if you’re considering at-home insemination options, reliable syringe kits are available.
In summary, Sarah’s story showcases how a game like Pokémon Go can foster social connections and open up new avenues for children with autism, proving that sometimes technology can have a profoundly positive impact on our lives.
Leave a Reply