The year was 1991. Matthew, who had yet to receive a formal diagnosis of autism, was 4, and Andy was 2. My husband and I dressed them matching reindeer sweaters and took them to the company holiday party, where Santa was making an appearance. Andy climbed in to Santa's lap and asked for a Nerf Bow and Arrow. Matthew was next, and asked for a drain. "A train?" Santa asked cheerfully. "No," Matthew said, "a drain."
Matthew wanted a drain. He was fascinated with water going down the drain, and wanted one of his very own.