I have a nephew with autism who is getting his degree in and is a genius at computers and another cousin-once-removed with severe Down's syndrome. Working at security at several Bay area social security offices, the appeals courts, and severe disability care facilities, you get used to ....everything. Several work enthusiastically at menial tasks at fast food restaurants in the area such as MacDonald's and one used to fuel my rig at Bison, Wyoming back in the day. The thing is: 'silence implies consent' and when an 'insensitive' adult or child does some insensitive thing-simply speak up: "Not Right buddy" or "Oh pickin' on the afflicted today SIR!" and the malfeasor usually thinks better of his being 'a real jerk' especially to a kid and in front of witnesses. Someone just has to lead off and encourage those who are reticent but will be supportive on the bandwagon. Not uncommonly: "yeah my sister's kid....what am I thinking" is the apologetic response. Rule one: no standing around in silence if it happens in front of you; otherwise you're part of the problem and not the solution.
Last edited by Aktungbby; 04-16-15 at 11:02 PM.
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