Dear Friends,
I want to take a moment to talk to you about my son, Oliver. You might recognize him as the one who often shouts answers instead of raising his hand. He’s the one who brings laughter to the room by spinning and running in circles. Sometimes, he might make you feel sad when he doesn’t answer your questions, or he may seem a little scary when his smile suddenly changes. He’s also the one who, on rare occasions, may hit the teacher or throw things in frustration.
I want you to understand that Oliver has autism. While this term may not mean much to you now, it’s essential to remember that he truly wants to connect with you. I’ve watched him reach out, asking to play games, even if you’re across the room and can’t hear him. Sometimes, he might accidentally knock down your block tower, but he’s seeking your friendship. He even talks about you at home, calling you his friends.
I’m grateful for your kindness and forgiveness. Even when he gets upset or yells, I see you playing with him the next day, offering hugs. Your ability to forgive is a beautiful gift.
What worries me is the day you might start to judge him. If you decide that his moments of anger and his difficulty with eye contact are too much, that might lead to teasing or distancing yourselves from him.
Please remember that beneath his sometimes rough exterior, Oliver cares deeply about you. He truly wants to be your friend.
Did you know that approximately 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism? That means there could be a few of you in this classroom who share similar challenges. For some of you, your own struggles with social interactions might make it even more difficult to understand each other.
The physical marks Oliver might leave will fade over time, but the invisible scars he could bear from unkind words or looks may never fully heal. You have the power to choose compassion and set an example for others.
While I hold fears for my son’s future, I remain hopeful that you will treat him with the respect he deserves, even when it’s not always reciprocated.
With love,
The Mother of Oliver
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Summary
This letter from a mother to her son’s preschool class explains the challenges of autism and encourages understanding and compassion among young peers. It highlights the importance of friendship and offers insights into the experiences of children with autism.