June 11th, 2016

Those strips about Ben

by Terri Libenson

If you’re a frequent Pajama Diaries reader, you’ve noticed an ongoing storyline about Nanci’s young son, Ben. Ben has been displaying some troubling signs, and Nanci and her husband David are trying to find out whether or not Ben has autism. Stay tuned.

Obviously, I’ve been doing a fair amount of research on the topic. While I don’t know firsthand what it’s like having a child with special needs, I know a bit from having friends with autistic kids or friends and relatives who help these kids (including many occupational and speech therapists). I’ve wanted to introduce this topic in the strip from the parents’ perspective.

I’ve also been getting a fair amount of helpful feedback from readers who know firsthand. I appreciate the advice and information. Please keep it coming!

I’d especially like to give a shout out to my incredible and caring aunt, Connie Molecke, who is a retired speech therapist and helped start a camp in New Mexico for kids who are on the spectrum. She’s been a fountain of knowledge and has helped me tremendously with this series. Thanks, Aunt Connie. You rock!