Our Autistic Children are Often Easy Prey

Last week, I went over to Brandon’s apartment to take him to do errands and out for lunch.  As we were walking from his apartment and down the street to get into my car, it was very crowded with people walking by us.  Amongst them was a man who walked straight towards Brandon as if he knew him and he raised his arm up as if he was going to slap or hit Brandon in the face or head. Brandon quickly and intuitively moved over to the curb and the man fell to the ground. 

Although it all happened within a split second, I could tell that the man knew Brandon and wanted to play with him, tease, or maybe even hurt him. I asked Brandon if he knew the man and he shouted, “No!” At lunch I spoke to Brandon about what had just happened. Brandon did not want to talk about it but later that afternoon he did indicate that he knew the man and he was a big troublemaker.

It is most unfortunate that things like this happen to our children or anyone for that matter.  Being picked on and bullied has been a challenge for Brandon most of his life. But to think that Brandon just moved over to the curb throwing this man off balance and then to the ground is something I would have never thought of doing.  

This is another example of how our children learn life by living life.  This is why I often say that Brandon has been and continues to be my finest teacher.

Amalia Starr

Mother to an independent autistic adult son, Motivational Speaker, Author, and Founder of the Autism Independence Foundation. Book Amalia to speak, call 800-939-1046 or attend one of her conferences or training.