OT.. Autism in the airport

[Guest guest]

Two flights last night..

each had an autistic in the airport (close to my proximity) waiting

to board a flight. I tried to connect with a teenaged boy with

autism and struck up a conversation with him, he jumped and his

father reacted witha a guarded-protective-scared response. I couldnt

get the words out that I know his journey. They seemed to want to be

left alone. Really saddened me...

The other was a busy 3 yr old boy on the flight to Bangor.. His

mother had her hands full with him and his older brother recently

diagnosed with epilepsy. She was young and beautiful, patient and

loving. I tried to help by getting her autistic off the heat vents

he climbed up on.. she came over and said.. hes autistic and

nonverbal. he doesnt understand you.

I said " I have one too, and I hve another similar to your older,

trying to get attention. "

She seemed happy to make a connection. We didnt talk, didnt need

to. There was an acceptance between us that was lifted above the

rolling eyes and whispers from the other unaccepting waiting

passengers. This connection was better than the other.

Jeanette

, 8, NT ADHD, ph, 7, Autism

in Beautiful Maine