I am happy to say that Paul has made great progress. As of last July, 2017, after one year and four months at Lakemary Center in Paola, Kansas, he has been discharged from Lakemary and has returned home to here in Central California. I whole-heartedly recommend Lakemary as a therapeutic environment for people with autism. Former U.S. Senator, Bob Dole and his wife, Elizabeth Dole, are among the many benefactors who make this place a refuge for both people with autism and their families. Paul is glad to be home, but frequently expresses his affection for the people and staff of Lakemary. Lakemary will always have my gratitude and support. In general, the people of Kansas seem to "get it" and tend be understanding and compassionate to people, such as Paul, who may be different. We just love Kansas and the U.S. midwest after our many visits there. The love and support of people has made all the difference; he has drawn hope and courage from his supporters. We hope to expunge his "criminal" record, in the near future, but, ultimately, would like his record wiped clean. Behavior that is directly related to his disability should not be criminal and the fact that services would not be otherwise available is abhorrent. Folks from all over the world have shared similar stories of people with developmental disabilities being shuffled and juggled from schools and/or social service agencies to the criminal justice system. It's as though shifting the burden to the disabled, themselves, and treating any unwanted behavior as some sort of willful, criminal perpetration frees a society to see the developmental disability as a choice, rather than a born difference. So, if, because of a documented disability, loud noises, flashing lights, and/or the stares of people may disorient me and cause me to panic, then for what I do in my panic I can be held criminally liable? Cause for hope is that Paul is thriving in the local school district's Transition Program and he has settled into a routine. We intend to spend the next two years or more allowing Paul to continue his personal growth. Since we, his mother and father, are both retired we hope to take a few years to travel the country and see sights Paul may never have the chance to see again. As Paul travels and sees the country he will go forward in his life with a greater view of the world around him. The three of us intend to do a video journal of our travels and challenges. We hope to share a new chapter in our lives and express our appreciation for all your support. I also do my best to help others, struggling with similar issues as Paul has. Please stay in touch through our Facebook page Autism is Not A Crime: https://www.facebook.com/autismnocrime/ And, subscribe to and follow our new adventures on our new Youtube Channel: The Wandering Otters Here is an introduction to Paul as he discusses his goals for the next five years: https://youtu.be/Jni9VaOTrM8