Just came from the pool, where Tuck and I ran into an old friend who addressed Tucker as he would any other 16-year-old. Was really nice. Then, just as he was leaving, an older (75ish) man walked up to me and said, thumbing over his shoulder at Tucker, who had been swimming about two hours, What is it again they call kids like that? Me: A fish? IOB (Ignorant Old Bastard): No, no! Its a sickness, but theyre not actually crazy - what is it? I was completely confused..., then it clicked, and I immediately saw red. Me: (closest Ive ever been to snapping on a complete stranger). Its called autism and he is very healthy, intelligent and happy young man. I was amazed at those sounds coming out of my mouth, because all I wanted to do was throttle and body-slam him. I have never encountered such blatant ignorance, though Ive heard of it happening with a lot of other autistics. I was blown away. Dont tell me its an age, or a generational thing. Lots of folks this guys age are respectfully curious, or at least just respectful. He viewed my son as a subhuman, and I will never forget how that felt. This was 90 minutes ago and Im still shaking... Ive often encouraged curious people to just spit it out, I cant be offended, and Im glad that youre interested. But this one was waaay different...
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 22:30:02 +0000
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