A Minnesota mom was shocked by how she and her autistic son Cooper were treated at a playground.
Kate Swenson thought they were in a safe space: Madison's Place Playground, which is specifically designed for children with special needs. However, another parent there would be the one to humiliate her.
Kate decided to post her story on Facebook to turn the altercation into a teachable moment for others.
While Cooper was riding the slide, he slipped and accidentally pushed another girl with his feet. The little girl was upset, but the father didn't take the incident well.
“This is the first time that Cooper and I were made to feel like we were not truly welcome somewhere,” Kate said. “Before the father even checked on the child, he yelled at me, and he yelled at my son. Cooper does not understand this, so he ran away and laughed and played."
Kate apologized repeatedly and tried to explain that Cooper had autism, was nonverbal, and didn't know what was happening.
“When autism is talked about in the world, it’s talked about with walks, wearing blue shirts, and using a blue light bulb," Kate said. "That’s not autism. Cooper wakes up every day at 4 in the morning and it is literally the best day of his life. To think that people would think he’s a danger, as a mom, it keeps me up at night.”
She decided to share the story in hopes that others will choose their words a little differently if they're ever in the same situation. The response has left the mother stunned.
“It’s been overwhelmingly positive — like, 100 percent,” she said.
Now, Kate plans on making cards to hand out at the park to let others know that Cooper has autism, as well as explaining what that means.
Please SHARE this mother's courageous moment with your family and friends on Facebook!
