Dear Friends,
You all know my son, Jamie. He’s the one who often shouts out answers rather than waiting for his turn. He’s the one who brings laughter to the room with his love for spinning and running in circles. He’s also the one who might hurt your feelings by not responding when you ask him something. His smile can sometimes shift to an intimidating grimace, and yes, he has moments that frighten you, like when he throws chairs or pushes a teacher.
I want to share something important: Jamie has autism. I know this term might not mean much to you right now, but it will as you grow. More importantly, I want you to understand that Jamie genuinely wants to be your friend. I’ve watched him reach out, asking to play, even if you can’t hear him from across the room. Sometimes he might accidentally knock over your block tower, but he’s just trying to connect. He talks about you at home, calling you his friends, even if he doesn’t express it well.
I appreciate your kindness and forgiveness. Even when Jamie gets upset and lashes out, I see you playing with him the next day, even giving him hugs. Your ability to forgive is truly remarkable.
What worries me is the day you might stop being forgiving. I fear you could start judging him for his outbursts or for not looking you in the eye. I am concerned about the moment you might tease him for his strange comments or his unique way of speaking.
Remember, beneath his sometimes tough exterior, Jamie really cares about you. He wants to be included. It’s essential to understand that 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism today. This means that in your class, there could be two or three of you facing similar challenges. If you have difficulties with social interaction, it could make it even harder for you and Jamie to communicate.
The physical bruises and scratches he may cause will heal with time and the love from your families. However, the emotional scars Jamie might carry from unkind stares or hurtful remarks could last a lifetime. It’s crucial to choose compassion and set a positive example for others.
While I worry for Jamie, I hold onto hope that you will continue to treat him with respect, even when it’s not reciprocated.
With love,
The Mother of a Child with Autism
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In summary, let’s remember the importance of kindness and understanding, especially towards those who may struggle to communicate in typical ways.
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