Something happened earlier tonight that actually took my breath away. It was also a major eye opener as far as the flip side of the coin where autism is concerned.
Tonight was my weekly dinner date with my favorite little guy in the whole wide world. I think I will say to Neptune because he tells me he loves me to Neptune…so I’m convinced that’s very far!
We happily got out of my car after parking in front of Burger King…little man was ready for a Whopper Jr. and some goodily good fries. Yes we were back on track considering last week he lost Dinner Date night due to naughty school behavior.
Upon entering this royal establishment I looked to my left and saw this teenager staring at my little precious and wondered why he was doing this. Little guy was behaving! Not acting out. Perfect little gentleman. Then I saw him staring at me and I just figured it was because I was wearing a portable oxygen tank. Then I thought what the what? He’s turning around in his seat and staring at my buddy boy and then shifting his gaze towards me. Now I’m thinking why is this kid doing this? So being the mature individual that I am, I looked him right in the eye, and was getting ready to say, “Is there a problem?” At this point I’m thinking this kid has surely seen or learned about an oxygen tank so it must be directed towards Drake, and now I’m getting really upset.
Thank God I kept my big mouth shut! His mom saw my expression of HUH? WHAT? and said…He has autism. My heart shattered. I looked at her and said, “WHAT? He has autism? My grand”sun” has autism. Oh man…I thought he was making fun of my grand”sun!” I was absolutely devastated. All I could say is, “why is this happening? So many kids…”
This was an epiphany moment for me. People with a child/children, relatives or friends with autism can’t understand the ignorance of others pertaining to this dastardly devilish disorder. And here I was…GUILTY, GUILTY, GUILTY. That boy didn’t show any typical outward signs…typical…what the hell is typical…and I thought he was being extremely rude. OMG! I was being rude. I am so locked into my own bubble I couldn’t see beyond my own self. That’s when I realized why so many people give funny looks. They see no outward signs and assume it’s bad behavior. Taught myself a hard lesson. But in my defense there are many ignorant people who do see signs of a major problem and still don’t get it. Could it be fear? If they keep their head in the sand will it go away, and not find them or someone they love? Man oh man…
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