Reviewing “Ryan the TV Star”

Ryan’s TV debut was a success.

We had a small viewing party, which consisted of Ryan, Randy, Grace, Granny, and Joan (Mark’s sister) and me.  We had some of Ryan’s favorite snacks and Ryan wanted chicken so we brought in some chicken wings.

The banner for the series on Courageous Kids.

Joan, Ryan, and Freckles at the party.

Ryan’s response immediately after seeing the program:  TOO LOVING IT.  CAN WE WATCH IT AGAIN?

Before bed, I read to Ryan what many of you wrote in the comments or shared.

We also got texts, phone calls, and had FaceTime with some family members.

The next morning, when we sat down for school and went over his schedule, I asked him if he wanted to read our normal book for the day or to read more of the comments.  He replied:  CAN WE READ THE COMMENTS FIRST?

So we did that.  I tried to read to him all of the ones that I could search for in my news feed.  It was a ton.

DEARLY MOVED BY THE KINDNESS OF PEOPLE.  IT IS SO COOL THAT OTHERS LIKED IT A LOT TOO.  CARING TO THANK THOSE PEOPLE FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

I asked Ryan what he thought of the story title on NBC 5’s website, which is Boy Starts Inspirational Blog After Years in Silence.  TOO LOVING IT.

“How did you feel watching yourself on TV?”

IT WAS INCREDIBLE.  CARING TO REALLY FIND IT AMAZING THAT PEOPLE LIKE KIND OF WANT TO KNOW ABOUT ME.

I then asked him about the very few people who have made mean comments or questioned whether Ryan was the one actually communicating.

TO THE HATERS, (I did ask him if he wanted to change this and he spelled NO).

I WILL TOO MUCH TRY TO FORGIVE YOU IN MY HEART. DEARLY LOVE TO PROVE YOU WRONG.  MY MOM IS BOUND TO BE UPSET BUT HAPPY TO SAY I DON’T CARE.  IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO SPEAK, PLEASE THANK GOD, BECAUSE I EACH DAY PRAY FOR IT.

As Ryan was spelling this, I lost it.  Tears started streaming down my face.  He tried twice to pick up my chin (which “the haters” may not believe because apparently according to them, kids with autism don’t have the ability to understand others’ feelings).

DEARLY I AM SORRY FOR KIND OF UPSETTING YOU.

After regaining my composure, I said, “Your maturity astounds me.”

CAN WE READ NOW?

“Yes.  Of course.”

*****

Ryan, Grace, and I are traveling to Canada tomorrow morning for Ryan’s early birthday present.  Ryan wanted to see two of his best friends, Fox and Brayden, who also learn and communicate with RPM.  You may recognize them from the news story where their pictures were featured!  The plan is to have a viewing party there for the news story on Friday night too!  You can bet that Ryan will have a lot to say about the trip when we get back!