I learned to love his "parties" where he lined up all of his toys, which he loved all the same as other kids, and he would watch long NASCAR races. He had them grouped by sport or where he got the toys etc. He would try to sucker me, mom, it is a special day ... can we get DQ cones for my NASCAR party?
Like that book.... You Will Dream New Dreams.... about learning to accept your child with special needs. It is true. I felt bad for that, and that he doesn't have real friends.... but he thinks he has friends and is comfortable with the level of friendship he has with some kids. So, I have worked really hard to realize it is really about how he perceives things and helping him to achieve what he wants.