My Transformative Encounter with a Severely Autistic Child
The hallway buzzed with lively chatter as I made my way through the brightly lit corridors. Nervous anticipation tangled in my stomach as I entered the special needs center, unsure of what awaited me. The room was teeming with activity, children engaged in various activities, accompanied by volunteers of all ages. A lady in an elegant dress greeted me warmly and led me into a smaller room where a girl sat on a wooden chair. She introduced me to Alice, a child diagnosed with severe autism, and explained the activities we could do together. With an approving nod, I prepared to embark on this adventure.
Me and Alice (this is a pseudonym to protect her identity) in May of 2019
As the lady encouraged Alice and me to become friends, I greeted Alice with a wide smile and an enthusiastic wave. However, to my surprise, she fixed her gaze on the floor, seemingly uninterested in my welcoming gesture. Undeterred, I approached her with excitement and a touch of nervousness, ready for our time together.
"Please take good care of Alice," the woman whispered with a hint of worry as she bid me farewell temporarily. I nodded, reassuring her that Alice would be in good hands. For the next 45 minutes, I initiated conversations, asking about Alice's hobbies, favorites, and other icebreaker topics. More often than not, she appeared confused or uninterested, and sometimes even upset.
"Alice, how are you feeling now?" I asked patiently.
Tears welled up in her brown eyes as she mumbled, "M-mom," pointing towards the door and stomping her feet on the floor in frustration. I empathized deeply with her, recalling moments of my own melancholy when separated from my mother. But in a sudden jolt of explosive energy, Alice’s tiny hand smacked my head as she wailed miserably and hollered incomprehensible words. The slight burning mark on my scalp paled in comparison to the profound realization that washed over me. Just like all humans, Alice yearned to communicate her emotions—her sadness from her mother’s absence— but struggled due to her condition. I hugged her tightly, ignoring her tear-stained clothes, and assured her that her mother would soon be with her. I couldn't be certain if she fully understood me, but her tears gradually dried up, and the aggressive fire within her subsided.
Taking my hand, she led me around the center, giggling with joy. We passed through colorfully occupied hallways and rooms, examining the different active children engaged in their activities. Occasionally she would point towards different stations in the building and utter undecipherable yet profound comments.
Near the end of our exploration, we unexpectedly encountered my mother and another woman. Alice held tightly onto my hand as she ran towards her mother, bursting with delight. My mother smiled at me with pride and exchanged a few words with Alice's mom. It was then that our parents announced the conclusion of the event, and we prepared to leave. As my mother and I took a step towards the door, we heard a voice.
"Wait," Alice suddenly spoke up.
We turned back, and with a small grin on her lips, Alice said, "Thank you."
I returned her beautiful smile, my heart brimming with warmth and swirling emotions of compassion, and above all, love. Stepping out through the door, I carried with me a profound sense of fulfillment.
Reflecting on that unforgettable day as I expand my volunteering experience this summer, I cannot help but be amazed by the strength and resilience that Alice, a child diagnosed with severe autism, displayed. Despite her challenges, she had a spirit that shone through, even in moments of frustration and confusion. My time with Alice was a brief encounter, but it left an indelible mark on my heart.
This and many other moments with autistic children, including my own sister, ignited a spark within me—a desire to make a difference and to create a positive impact in the lives of special needs children. It strengthened my empathy and opened my eyes to the immense potential within every child, who deserves to be seen, heard, and embraced for who they are.
Driven by this passion, I embarked on a journey of my own. I channeled my energy and effort into creating this nonprofit, JoinedPuzzles.org, dedicated to supporting and unleashing the potential of special needs children and their families.
From this Joined Puzzles community, may we all strive to create a world where every child, regardless of their abilities, can thrive, and where compassion and love are the guiding forces that bring us all together.
Let’s foster a lasting community of empathy, understanding, and acceptance
