Dear Friends,
I want to take a moment to talk to you about my son, Oliver. You might know him as the kid who often shouts out answers instead of waiting to be called on. He’s the one who brings laughter to the classroom with his silly spins and energetic runs. Sometimes, he might accidentally hurt your feelings when he doesn’t respond to your questions. And yes, I know he can be a little unpredictable; his smile can change quickly, and it might even make you feel uneasy at times.
What I want you to understand is that Oliver has autism. I know this word might not mean much to you right now, but it’s important to recognize that he genuinely wants to be your friend. I’ve seen him reach out to you, asking to play, though sometimes you might not hear him from across the room. Occasionally, he might knock over a tower of blocks, but he does this because he wants to engage with you. He even talks about you at home, calling you his friends, and I know that’s his way of showing he cares.
I really appreciate how forgiving you all are. Even on days when he gets upset and yells or pushes, I see you right back by his side the next day, offering hugs and support. Your kindness means so much.
But I do worry. I fear the day when you might start to judge him or feel frustrated by his outbursts. It’s concerning to think about what might happen if teasing begins because he doesn’t always communicate in ways you understand.
Please remember, beneath the surface, Oliver has a big heart. He truly wants to connect with you. Did you know that 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism? This means that within your classroom, a couple of you might share similar experiences. For those of you who also find social interactions challenging, it might be even harder to understand one another.
The scrapes and bruises from playing together will heal over time, but the invisible scars that Oliver may carry from unkind words or looks may linger far longer. You have a choice to be compassionate and kind, setting an example for others.
While I worry for my son, I trust that you will continue to treat him with respect, even when it’s not always easy for him to reciprocate.
With love,
The Mom of Oliver
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Summary:
This heartfelt letter addresses Oliver’s preschool friends, explaining his autism and expressing gratitude for their kindness. It encourages understanding and compassion while highlighting the importance of friendship. The letter also raises awareness about autism prevalence among children and emphasizes the value of empathy in social interactions.