Kwentong Autism: My Conversation with an Old Lady at the Park

He was elated because he had unlimited dried leaves and sticks to choose from. I could see him taking his time to decide which to pick. When he had finally found the toy that he was satisfied with, we decided to walk around the perimeter of the park and explore a bit. When we were finished walking, I saw that there were some high school students practicing a school presentation in the spot where Miguel had picked up his toy.

We decided to rest and sit on the concrete bench near the sidewalk. It gave us a good view of the people going about their business, both outside the park and in the busy street. A few moments later, two middle-aged ladies carrying broomsticks came into view. They started sweeping the fallen leaves and branches in the park. One nice-looking lady smiled at us and engaged in a little conversation.

“Naglilibot kayo?” she asked me if we were going around the park. I said yes, but it was because we were waiting for my other son to finish his daycare school.

“Tinola yung lunch nila ngayon,” she informed me that the kids in the school were having chicken soup and rice for lunch. I said that I saw the other parents preparing the ingredients for tinola.

Then to Miguel, she said, “O ikaw naman, ano ang name mo?”

She asked Miguel his name. Of course, Miguel didn’t reply because he was non-verbal. Miguel just smiled and laughed a little.

The lady said, “Dapat pang tinatanong ang mga bata, sumasagot.” She said that small children should know how to respond when old folks ask them questions. She said that in a pleasant tone, though, almost jokingly. She was also smiling the whole time.

That was when I said, “Hindi pa po kasi ito nakakapagsalita.” I said Miguel was non-verbal.

The lady said, “Naku, ok lang yan. May kilala rin ako na ganyan. Eventually makakapagsalita rin yan.” I smiled when she said that Miguel would learn to talk sooner or later.

“Gwapo pa naman, palangiti.” she and the other lady said. They said that Miguel was handsome and that he was always smiling. When it was about to rain, I said goodbye to the two nice ladies.

On a further note, when I introduce my son to other people, I don’t say that he is autistic. I mean, I don’t define him by his condition, and I hope other people will also not define (or brand) children with special needs based on their condition. I want people to get to know my son as a person with a name, and just like any other individual, he has his own unique characteristics and maybe even some quirks. He is a person with emotions, with his very own way of connecting with his loved ones as well as other people.

As for the lady at the park, we were happy because she did her best to understand our story. Some people might find offense with the seeming bluntness of other individuals. However, let’s not be too quick to judge. They may be unfamiliar with the uniqueness of autism, and it’s our duty or responsibility to also help them understand, to spread autism awareness.

In the end, what’s important is to display kindness and to treat each other with respect.

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