Del Olmo’s Commentaries on His Autistic Son
Los Angeles Times Associate Editor Frank del Olmo, who died February 19, wrote a series of commentaries from 1995 to 2003 on the growth and development of his autistic son, Frankie.
- 1
He’s nearing puberty and must deal with autism in new ways.
Dec. 21, 2003
- 2
There is good news and bad this holiday season regarding my son, Frankie, and other children like him who have autism.
Dec. 22, 2002
- 3
This year I finally allowed myself to start dreaming about my son’s future again.
Dec. 23, 2001
- 4
For all the difficulty autism poses for my 8-year-old son, Frankie, this holiday season has helped me realize how much progress he’s made fighting the mysterious neurological disorder that afflicts him.
Dec. 24, 2000
- 5
Frankie’s autism clouds even the simplest decisions--like whether to get him a Christmas puppy.
Dec. 26, 1999
- 6
Frankie, fighting a neurological disorder, delights in Christmas and is saddened by a family death.
Dec. 27, 1998
- 7
Research and innovative therapies allow little Frankie to take a giant step into ‘normal’ kindergarten.
Dec. 21, 1997
- 8
Autism: After the shock of diagnosis, therapy brings encouragement.
April 30, 1996
- 9
A 4-year-old’s love for his old, well-worn version testifies to his progress against a troubling disorder.
Dec. 22, 1996
- 10
For people with autism, an embrace can be unbearable. But 3-year-old Frankie still loves to cuddle, and that’s enough to keep his mom and dad hopeful.
Dec. 20, 1995