My eight-year-old autistic son sees me reading and writing—a lot! I also encourage him to read and read with him. He’s read my book “Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder” which he knows was inspired by him.

So last night when he asked me to transcribe his horror story, I was blown away. My love of literature inspired him to want to write.

Understanding story structure has been a challenge for him, especially comprehension. But he was able to tell me a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. I couldn’t be more proud!

It was a reminder to me that our kids are always watching. We are laying the foundations for which they will one day build their futures.

Although I’d never push him into writing, I will be gently asking if he has any more stories for me. If so, be fair warned, I’ll shamelessly plug them!

So without further delay, enjoy Barclay Nielsen’s horror story debut!

Something Weird is in the Attic

By Barclay Nielsen

Mom is downstairs working and Barclay is upstairs working (aka playing Roblox). Barclay hears footsteps in the attic. Barclay calls Mom and they both go into the attic. They are scared. When they get into the attic the door closes. They use their feet to break it open. It opens and Barclay says ,”Go.”

Barclay almost falls. But Mom catches him. They both go down and close the attic. They go downstairs. Then both of them hear noises upstairs. They both go upstairs. They see a spirit in front of them. They ask him his name and he says he is The Shadow Man. They tell him to get out of the house. He leaves. He never comes back ever, ever, again.

The end.

Your child will follow your example, not your advice.

– Author Unknown