So, I've spent most of the past two weeks babysitting for Kyle. For those of you who don't know, Kyle is a semiverbal seven year old with Autism.I know, I complain about him alot, because he wears me out! However, I adore him beyond any reasonableness. As much as I complain, I think I have the best job ever. There is absolutely nothing more rewarding than hearing him laugh and seeing him smile, and since he doesn't speak well, my heart melts when he says Audrey or I love you. I don't understand why everyone else can't see him like I do.

I have encountered some very ignorant people lately. For example, I took Kyle to get rice from Sesame Inn. While I knew it wouldn't be the best place to take Kyle, I was rather hungry. So I ordered, and he spun around on the bar stool. Then, he got it in his head that he wanted to look around. He found a mirror and said "baby." Then he came to close to a woman's table. This is when problems began to occur. The lady hissed, "Just take his hand, and pull him out. It's not rocket science!" Now, I could understand her frustration if Kyle had touched her food, or touched her, or even continued to stare at her. I understand that people don't like to be stared at. However, Kyle was halfway across the room by now!! Since my mom goes to that restaurant alot, and I love their food, I didn't tell the woman where she could shove her unhelpful suggestion. Instead, I calmly said, "I'm sorry if he disturbed your meal ma'am. However, he has Autism, so it isn't that easy." She retorted, "Just take his hand and pull. It is that easy." Then she got up, muttering about people who can't control their kids, and unruly kids, and paid her bill and left. In my opinion, I should have told her that if she thinks it is that easy, she should try it. Then I could laugh as he screamed and bit her. I did apologize to the owner, who looked a bit concerned. Kyle and I walked up and down the restaurant a few times, and then left through another door. Throughout this entire trip, Kyle did not cry or scream, touch any dishware or food. I considered it a fantastic trip to a restaurant. He was happy when we left, and even sat down with me at his house and tried some rice. Kyle doesn't eat things he isn't used to, so this was a big thing. He also tried to chug soy sauce, and the look on his face was hysterical. He's gotten so much better. It's amazing. Seriously, a few months ago I took him into CVS, and he tore up a candy bar and crushed it into the ground. Today, I took him to Speedway, and we got drinks and donuts without any problems. I was thrilled.

I still think about that woman. If she had ever encountered an Autistic child, she wouldn't have thought how she did. People need to be educated about developmental disorders. These kids didn't ask for the disorder, and the parents didn't ask for a special needs child. However, that is what God gave them. I really think I am a better person because Kyle is in my life, and I adore him. However, I would still give anything to be able to *cure* his Autism, because it is so hard on him and his family.

Anyway, *recovers from major digression* you never really know what kind of kid you're dealing with.That's the problem. I mean, I'll give you, some kids are just brats. However, some kids just have a disorder that affect their behavior. You never really know. It's the same thing w/ some of the kids at the high school. You NEVER KNOW if someone is just obnoxious or if they have a disorder like Autism that inhibits their social skills. If they do have a disorder, it's NOT THEIR FAULT, and they require a little bit more patience than everyone else. Just think on it, o.k.? I'm not trying to preach, but when I'm out with Kyle, I wish everyone knew that he had a disorder, so they could focus on things like his infectious laughter and ignore his hand flapping and occasional tantrums. It might make things easier for him and his family.