I had an experience today at Bubbling Springs that was both the most disturbing and rewarding that the parents of special-needs children have to experience.
My son is 23 years old and has nonverbal autism. My son when he is very happy can flap his arms in delight and make happy noises (although one can also describe them as grunts).
At his first visit to Bubbling Springs, a group of very young children noticed my son and started imitating his movements, gestures and noises in addition to laughing at him.
I never expect young children to automatically understand differences, such as my son’s differences. In 23 years, though, I never observed any child laugh at my son or imitate him so boldly.
To say that I was hurt - and moreover hurt for my son - is an understatement.
To their credit, two different mothers observed what happened and called their children over and spoke to them.
I want to applaud those parents for being observant and for taking the time to intervene and educate their very young children. These parents are an example of great parenting.
I would ask that any readers of this letter who have young children take the opportunity when they see those with physical or cognitive special needs in the community to remark to their children that those with special needs were born that way and that their actions and behavior should be respected and that they are people just like everyone else.
Robert Blitz
Verona