Neighbors’ cruel discrimination against autistic child
The Autism News | English
By Robin Hausman Morris | Autism & Parenting Examiner
Heather Sedlock, Special Needs Examiner wrote to me about a shocking story that took place earlier this Spring.
Before I address the obvious flaws in societal ignorance of special needs, I want to share a comment about living with autism I posted to NY Times reporter Lisa Belkin,:
“Given that our son is now 21 years old, he and we have been lauded as pioneers on the autism journey.
I blush, not so much as shy or embarrassed, but probably due to the fact that my blood boils, recognizing society has not reached the social milestones that my disabled child has been forced to climb.
Years ago, a mother of a typical child shook her head at my son and said: “There but for the grace of G-d go I “. I responded with my keen wit, “Are you saying better you than me?” My heart was aching, but my feisty snap felt good.”
It is with this “snap” that I respond to the events that occurred in San Marcos, California last April. Reported by News 10 Lauren Reynolds, it defines the vital need for education and awareness about autism. Parents Gary and Marla Trussle moved to the quiet suburb hoping for the kind of reciprocal environment that neighbors share, as enjoying a quiet life. Sadly it was not to be.
“But instead of being welcomed, the Trussle family has been under attack, they said, by neighbors. The accusations against them have been wild, including that 4-year-old Spencer “might come out with a firearm at anytime.” Spencer Trussle has autism. Tantrums and inflexibility are part and parcel to living with autism. Parents learn the rudiments of behavioral therapy early on, and it is a collective family effort.
Sadly, there is no mandatory education for society. According to the report ” neighbors Sarah Fisher, Danielle Harway and Kelly Plaster. All three filed court papers asking that Spencer, his sister Olivia, and mom and dad be restricted to their own home and driveway.” Apparently, angry repercussions followed a spat between Gary Trussle and another father, where Trussle confronted the man when his son was picking on Spencer.
What ensued was nothing short of harassment: “Sarah Fisher reported the Trussles to Child Protective Services. She called Gary Trussle’s employer, Continental Airlines, where he’s a captain. She also made a call to 911, claiming he couldn’t control his young children.”
Ultimately a San Diego judge dismissed all filings. He ordered that the neighbors reimburse the Trussles’ $12,000 legal fees. I suggest that financial remuneration is not enough. Perhaps community service, in the form of classes or walking for autism awareness might enlighten the Fishers, Harways and Plasters of the world.
The San Marco neighborhood will now have an Autistic Child in Area sign mounted on street poles. Watch you tube below.
Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-3565-Autism–Parenting-Examiner~y2009m8d2-Neighbors-cruel-discrimination-against-autistic-child
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