I saw that in the obituaries on Sunday that Tillman Moody, the autistic-child that I worked with as a counselor as a job during my college years passed away in what was described as a “accident in the home”. I worked with him for almost four years, until his condition worsened, and I became busy with my post-college job.

Apparently, in the past seven years, he went to college and was making a lot of improvements in his life, which make this all the more tragic.

His obituary basically explains it all:

Tilman Moody

Obituary

Moody, Tilman DELMAR Tilman Hammond Moody, much loved by mommy and daddy, James and Felix, Wizzy, Sofia and Rufus, died accidentally at home on Friday, January 31, 2014. Tilman was born in Glasgow, Scotland on April 9, 1989. He was a natural rebel who the world diagnosed with autism at age three years, four months. As one of the earlier generations of children with autism negotiating public school, Tilman helped to bring about brand new special education programs tailored to the unique needs of autistic individuals in Bethlehem. He overcame many obstacles to graduate Bethlehem Central High School in 2007, and went on to attend Siena College and Hudson Valley Community College. He was passionate about chemistry, woodworking, camping, landscaping, dancing, Bertie Botts jelly beans, Monopoly, and above all, reptiles. Tilman’s wild and generous spirit will live on with all who knew him, human or reptile. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar on Monday, February 3, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, at 11 a.m. in Bethlehem Cemetery, Delmar. Those who wish may send memorial donations to the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, 101 State St., Schenectady, NY 12305.

applebeefuneralhome.com

A very sad situation for sure. He was a good kid, despite his medical difficulties with autism. I spent many an weekend afternoon out in the community with him, and playing monopoly at his house. Smart as all get out, but he was definitely impacted by autism and the troublesome behaviors caused by autism.

More about autism, the disease he suffered from.

I stopped by his wake briefly this afternoon and offered his parents my condolences.