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North Opinion/Letter to the Editor: A mother pleads for understanding
Wednesday, December 26, 2001
On Dec. 2, my two sisters, our children and I attended a performance of the "Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol" given by the Spotlight dance ensemble at the Masonic Hall in West View.
What started out to be a lovely day was ruined by the ignorance of one man.
My 7-year-old son, Troy, has Cornelia DeLange Syndrome, a rare genetic syndrome. Although Troy is basically nonverbal, when he gets excited he can be quite vocal. Shortly after the production started, Troy became excited when he first heard the music. I tried to control him but soon realized he could be a distraction, especially to the elderly man sitting on my left, so Troy and I left to sit in the hall.
The performance started to grow long for many of the younger children in the audience. Several were out of their seats to use the restroom, etc. Unfortunately, my 4-year-old also grew weary and became fidgety. This elderly man reached up to my son's seat and pulled his hair and told him that he needed to behave.
After this, a few things were said between this man and my group, but the thing that had the most impact was when he said, "Autistic kids should stay home and not attend these events." I was so upset, I was speechless.
We do not live in a time when the mentally or physically disabled need to be institutionalized. Many of us have children who have some type of special need. I am shocked that this type of prejudice still exists. Troy has never experienced hatred. This child brings light and laughter to everyone who knows him.
Mister, if you are reading this, shame on you. Next time, you stay home.
SHERYN FISHER
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