Curt's cousin Jayden is A street smart kid with a high BS detector who enjoys experimenting with his cousin's autism and behavior. Jayden understands Curtis has a legitimate condition but he often can't resist the temptations that come along with Curt's adoration. Namely, how easy Curtis is to manipulate. Jayden knows he can suggest just about anything to Curtis and there's a good chance it's a go. A little whisper in the ear is sometimes all it takes and Jayden has an instrument to shake up any situation. The pair must be supervised continuously or bad things can happen in seconds. For instance, Curtis is willing to urinate anywhere outdoors, will launch a nearby coffee mug down the street, spray a hose into an open car or house window, sign up for anything on the internet, etc. all in the name of impressing his cousin. These things happen in seconds and this is only a partial list. Curtis doesn't fear or interpret the consequences in many situations like a typically developing kid does. He is living in the moment. Jayden knows he can get Curt to do things he would like to do but doesn't dare. Strict supervision is the only answer here.
Jayden also teaches Curtis a lot and weekly meet-ups give Curtis exposure to someone his age willing to tell it like it is. Curtis has a social anchor and it alleviates fears associated with Curtis potentially becoming reclusive or defiant as others with autism have. Curt takes a lot away from Jayden's experiences and pounds him relentlessly with questions that Jayden is willing to answer. It's not a perfect relationship but there is time for development. 
Curtis is gullible to be sure. How can he not be? He relies on certain people to explain to him what is going on around him, He has to take our work for it. If something sounds preposterous he will say, "Are you making a joke?", but most of the time he believes you. Here are 5 ways we've used Curtis' autism to our and his advantage as parents.


1.) Curtis will not drink soda- Curt associates any type of soda with something that will leave him teeth-less in no time. We got this idea into his head very early on and he can see dads cavities as proof. He will not touch soda and is uncompromising on this one. I hope it sticks long-term.
2.) Curt believes anything over a small amount of candy will make him sick- Yesterday he discovered a pile of Halloween candy at his grandparents house. He looked it over, shook his head and said "Look, I'm not looking to get sick." He only had one piece. What's the harm in him believing this one as long as possible?
3.) Curtis is a great weight loss coach- If you ask him to stay on top of you and not let you eat certain things, or you want someone to make you go o the gym at the same time everyday, Curtis is your man. He will commit to the cause and stay on to of you.
4.) Curtis still believes in Santa and the Tooth Fairy, etc. Again, why not extend this as log as possible. Hopefully no trust issues result from this one but eventually logic is going to take over I assume.
5.) Curtis has built a small fortune in change that we could use if the S ever really hit the fan- Just kidding, but I have learned from his ability to save, autism or not. Like, if a 6 year old is saving money, I shouldn't have that hard of a time cutting back impulsive purchases.


Greg, Dad