Luv Bunnies
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2006
We're having a little struggle with our DS15 w/Asperger's and Santa Claus. He says he absolutely believes in Santa (yes, I said he's 15!) and he's sure Santa will be coming this year to bring him presents, eat the cookies, drink the milk and take the oatmeal to the reindeer. He's a very smart kid and usually very matter-of-fact about things. But he's emotionally younger than his age and still takes that childlike view of many things. Our typically-developing 12 year old DS has it all figured out and has tried to convince his brother to no avail.
Personally, I think it's fine for him to believe what he wants. He goes to a school for kids with Asperger's and many of them still hold their belief as well. Others have tried to convince him of the truth but he didn't believe them. However, we don't feel compelled to perpetuate it any longer. He asked us the question, we told him the truth and he refused to believe it. But if we continue taking the cookies and moving the fireplace screen aside, he'll think we were lying and that he's been right all along! I don't want him to feel crushed on Christmas morning, but I feel like it's time to let him see the truth for himself.
Has anyone had this issue with an older autistic child? I really think he believes and he's not pulling our legs. He doesn't have the capacity to tell a lie because he's so matter-of-fact!
Personally, I think it's fine for him to believe what he wants. He goes to a school for kids with Asperger's and many of them still hold their belief as well. Others have tried to convince him of the truth but he didn't believe them. However, we don't feel compelled to perpetuate it any longer. He asked us the question, we told him the truth and he refused to believe it. But if we continue taking the cookies and moving the fireplace screen aside, he'll think we were lying and that he's been right all along! I don't want him to feel crushed on Christmas morning, but I feel like it's time to let him see the truth for himself.
Has anyone had this issue with an older autistic child? I really think he believes and he's not pulling our legs. He doesn't have the capacity to tell a lie because he's so matter-of-fact!