The autistic spectrum disorder in Timothy is severe. Additionally, he is a 7-year-old boy who plays and loves with all of his heart.
He requires a lot of extra support at school and occasionally appears to be completely unaware of what is going on around him.
FOR MY AUTISTIC SON, DEAR (SUPER COOL) MOM WHO DID SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL,
You and I don’t know one other, although my son Timothy occasionally sits next to your kid at school.
My autistic son desires friends but occasionally lacks the skills to cultivate them.He wants to play but occasionally is unsure of how to ask.He wants to participate but occasionally is unsure how.
Parents of special needs children understand all too well the pain their children experience when they are excluded from social groups.
Play dates, sleepovers, organized sports, and, yes, dreaded birthday parties.
I’m confident in saying that my son hasn’t been to any of them. In the previous few years, we have gotten innumerable invites, but most of them are from young children who callously invite their entire class. Please understand that I am appreciative.
However, I’m unsure if the parents are aware of what would occur if I brought Timothy. The pauses, the disruptions.
How I would hate to steal the birthday kid’s thunder.
So, we respectfully decline. Each and every one.
Until a unique note and your invitation arrived in the mail. It said:
“CARTER SAT BESIDE TIMOTHY AT SCHOOL AND HE ALWAYS TALKS ABOUT HIM. I REALLY HOPE HE CAN COME. WE ARE RENTING A BOUNCE CASTLE THAT WE CAN ATTACH A SMALL BOUNCE SLIDE AT THE BOTTOM. WE WILL ALSO HAVE WATER BALLOONS AND WATER GUNS. MAYBE TIMOTHY CAN COME EARLIER IN THE DAY IF IT WOULD BE TOO MUCH WITH THE WHOLE CLASS. LET ME KNOW HOW WE CAN MAKE IT WORK.”
Without without realizing it, you wrote just what I needed to read that day.He is a part of things because of your son.Your son makes him feel wanted, so.He has a voice as a result of your son.
And I want you to know that you’re the reason I’m able to survive another day.I can make it through another appointment because to you.
You have given me the ability to endure more looks and inquiries.I am hopeful for Timothy’s future because of you.I just wanted to let you know how well you are raising your son.