Annabell
In February of 2012, I read an article about a trial taking place in Vermont. A teen with Asperger's syndrome was charged with murdering his social skills tutor. Evidence pointed to the teen as the actual suspect, but his lawyer was using his Asperger's syndrome as a way for the jury to acquit him. There was much controversy and discussion about the case. I never believed Jacob Hunt really committed the murder. It turns out my suspicion was proven correct.
After the trial, I found contact information for both Jacob and his mother, Emma. I exchanged several e-mails with Emma and Jacob expressing my admiration of him getting through this ordeal. Emma and I began to discuss Jacob's social skills instruction now that Jess was no longer in the picture. She knows I have interest in this area of special education. In fact, she believes Jacob coming to Candyville for a time would be good for him.
We agreed that Jacob would come for a few days at the end of his school year. He would graduate at the end of May and be on a plane to Candyville within days of the graduation. So much to prepare!
In preparing for Jacob's visit, Phyllis and I went to the arts and crafts store to get tubes of super glue for Jacob to fume for prints if his little heart desired. We also found an old fish tank that someone had discarded. I had an old mug that we could heat water in for the humidity necessary for this project. Phyllis gave me a hot plate that provides the heat source in the fuming process.
Food shopping was a bit more challenging.
"Jacob's mother told me he is on a special diet, gluten/casein free. I have no idea if Topp's even has food that will meet his requirements."
"We can ask the customer service reps and see. Otherwise, we can go to Wegman's. They have everything," Phyllis reassured me.
We were in luck! Topp's had a large section that contained all the foods we would need for Jacob's visit. What a relief. Now, the next challenge is to find foods to match all the color requirements. I won't bore you with all the details of our food shopping extravaganza.
Before Jacob's visit, I received a wallet sized senior photo so I would recognize him at the airport. The photo showed a young man about 6 feet tall with military short brown hair. He is not looking at the camera. He's wearing a dark blue shirt that has no designs or prints on it.
I also received information from Emma regarding Jacob's shot and supplements. He takes several different supplements as well as a B12 shot. All of this is designed to help mitigate the symptoms associated with his Asperger's diagnosis. Emma reassures me that I won't have to do anything in regards to the shot and supplements. Jacob knows the dosages and when to take them. I'm relieved because I have enough to remember with my own meds.