Fun at the Fair!

Every fall, around this time, we visit the State Fair.  Other than the delicious hot funnel cakes and frosty lemon shake ups, it's not really my thing. My kids, on the other hand, look forward to it all year. 

As Brendon has gotten older and his autism has become more "pronounced" or "severe," each year we have faced a new set of challenges at each visit.  At one time, just the commotion, lights, crowds, and noise were too much.  The next year he relaxed just enough to discover the carousel.  Then, last year he figured out the rides were so much fun that getting him off meant a meltdown and a fight to pry him off of small airplanes and out of train cars while parents and kids rolled their eyes, muttered under their breathes, and waited impatiently. 

This past Friday night, I took him and it was by far the easiest visit so far.  I had anticipated a rough time with transitions from one ride to another and since he weighs 73 pounds, I knew I would be pushing my limits to win every battle.  I decided against taking the stroller or wagon, and opted for the harness and leash instead.  Grandma had purchased him an armband so that we wouldn't have to worry about tickets, and off we went! 

At the ticket booth the lady asked him to hold out his arm and so of course I had to explain about his non verbal autism and that he would probably have an issue with it no matter where we put it.  She opted for his ankle and sure enough he immediately dropped to the ground and feverishly tried ripping it off.  She directed me to the office and the nice lady there said we could give the stuffed monkey on his harness a "collar."  Armband crisis averted. :)  I really wanted to hug the lady when she said she would call around and let all the rides know we were coming and to watch out for him. 

When we got to the first ride, the operator smiled and said, "I've already been told about him," and it continued everywhere we went.  Almost every ride waived the height rules if he was too tall or just went out of their way to make sure he had extra time to load or unload and transitioning was no problem at all!  He understood that it was okay to get off because it meant we were going to get on something else! 

I honestly don't expect him to get preferential treatment everywhere he goes, but it sure did make it so much more relaxing and enjoyable, so I'll take it any time we can get it!  ;)