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To become more independent is very important
to Keaton. He sometimes talks of having his own
apartment away from his parents. We assure him that
it is a very expensive ambition involving rent, utilities,
groceries, and all the necessities involved in living
alone. We point out that he has his own “apartment”
in the basement of his home. The basement is his
choice as it has no windows, and he can sleep there
without experiencing fear of storms. To be awakened
by storms is something that has always frightened
him.
We remind him of his posture and of his voice tone.
Both tend to cause people to turn and look at him. It
is not that it is an embarrassment to the family, but
rather it is not the image that Keaton wants to project.
I will have to say that Keaton accepts criticism well.
Fortunately, he receives more positive remarks than
negative ones.
I have attempted to explain that while Keaton will
always have some characteristics that are due to his
autism, he continues to exceed all our hopes and
prayers for him. There is more in the following
section regarding his present life and his ambition;
this will show more clearly how his special gift of love
for others enriches the lives of all whom he meets.