You Never Know who you will meet. Today, We met Aiden...

from the Mocha Autism Network site

On our Adventure at Lawrence Hall of Science (Berkeley) today, We met a cutie of a boy. The 7 year old ran and scooted his way between Da Youngsta and I to push the button on the model Roller Coaster saying "The Button is lit, I have to push it..." Recognizing the urgency in his voice as one I hear a lot, I had a conversation with him.

"Hey Sweetie! we have 5 seconds and then you can push it ok?"
"But the button is lit NOW!"
"there is a timer right here, See? as soon as you see the word "PUSH" then we can push it..." 
"OK... I get to push it right? I saw the light first!!!" 
"Of course you do, you called it!"

His Exasperated Mother quickly ran to apologize to me for her son, Something I think she is used to doing. I told her no problem and asked the boy his name. 

Mom: "Aiden, Tell her your name.." 
"Aiden"
Me: "Well, How are you, Sir Aiden! Nice to meet you. "
Aiden: "Its time to push the button..."

The Mom apologized again. This time I said "No Worries! when My son was his age, he didn't look me in the face either..."

"Sigh... Thank you so much for understanding. I have been getting glares since I got here"

Turns out Aiden and his Brother, Collin were diagnosed on the spectrum at 18 months. The mother had been running around the museum all day and she just needed to sit down. Da Youngsta Hung out with Aiden for 20 Minutes and the mother was "resting" by only watching Collin. 

I am saying all this to say you never know who you can help once you realize how you felt in that position. As parents of special children, we have to help one another