Teaching About Mission And Temple Marriage

Teaching About Mission And Temple Marriage

My oldest son is 7 years old and he has PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder Not Other Wise Specified) basically an atypical or very mild case of Autism. We are coming a long way with him, his speech have improved tremendously as well as his intellectual abilities (he can do math, read, etc like any other child). Most people do not know he has special needs because he looks "normal" and basically interacts "normally". Only upon close observation (and very few people are really observant) you will see something is not all "right". He is a very loving child who is also extremely emotional (he shows anger, happiness, excitement, any feeling to sometimes to the extreme).

Now, I needed to explain a little his background before I ask the question.

In Primary, the teachers always talk about missionaries and how great will be for all the kids to become missionaries one day. Felipe has been always excited about becoming a missionary and he was always happy to wear a white shirt and a tie to Church just like Daddy and the missionaries do. But something has changed....

In recent weeks, as we spoke to each other about going to a mission, his countenance had changed. He no longer wants to go to a mission. Why? Simply, in his mind he thinks we are somewhat "abandoning" him so he wants to stay "with Mommy and Daddy forever" or for us to go with him on his mission. He actually burst in tears when the subject is brought up.

When we talk about the Temple and one day getting married there as Mommy and Daddy did, the same issue is now arising. "I don't want to get married when I become a man, don't want to get a wife and go to the Temple". I asked him why? And he said "because I want to stay with Mommy and Daddy forever" and he would burst in tears again. I mean, he would get VERY EMOTIONAL.

So I decided not to bring up the topics again since I see is having an effect on him and not a positive one. At the same time, I always believed that if you teach your kids since small what is expected of them then they would "digest" that through the years. I know my son has special needs and maybe I should not treat the issue in the same way as any other parent would but it just breaks my heart to see him so emotional about it.

Is there a way I could teach him about the importance of these things without having this problem? Or should I wait for a while and see what is really going on? I am puzzled as to what to do. Thanks.