How to Grandparent a Child With Special Needs Educate yourself, provide support, know your limits and find the joy by Susan Moeller, AARP, March 1, 2021 | Comments: Paul Fredette and Claudette Weaver have a special bond with grandson Tyler. En español | When Jim Oricchio's grandson Sammy was diagnosed with autism at age 3, his family worried the boy wouldn't make friends, would struggle to communicate and wouldn't do well in school. Instead, Sammy captained his high school bowling team, founded the school's computer club and cohosted a podcast about autism. Now 20, he's into cars and the stock market, and attends college. Along the way, Oricchio and his wife Donna, who have 11 grandchildren, have helped Sammy's parents with the cost of his private school, advocated for services and connected with him through activities like twice-monthly lunches.