Furious Dad Slams Friends For Excluding His Autistic Son From Parties
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It's hard to imagine the challenges of parenting an autistic child, which must be a very rewarding but difficult experience.
The lack of empathy encountered by one dad, Shane, from Newcastle has led him to take no more, as he sent an angry message to his friends for excluding his autistic son Reilly from parties.
The post, shared by Shane's wife Christine Stephenson on Twitter, described how hurtful it is for them to ignore the family due to Reilly's autism.
The dad's post read: "Right this has been brewing for some time so here it goes and you can like it or fucking well lump it.
"My son Reilly has autism not fucking leprosy; he is 6 years old and my so called friends who have kids also have kids parties.
"Not ONE invite not fucking one. Think about that whilst you go and fuck yourselves; you have any idea how hurtful that is?
"Just for the record in future don't bother he's not an after thought he's my every fucking thought."
My husbands message to his mates breaks my heart #inclusion #autism pic.twitter.com/WhDXpwnTpZ
- Life of Reilly (@life_of_reillys) November 4, 2017
Christine, Reilly's mum, said Shane's message 'broke her heart', knowing how upset he is at Reilly not being part of his friendship circle.
She runs a blog called 'The Life of Reilly' which aims to educate people about the challenges of parenting a child who has non-verbal autism.
As they are unable to access external childcare regularly, Christine added that the family feel isolated and struggle for support.
"Autistic children and their families are the greatest support," Christine told LADbible. "Better inclusion by all is key."
Christine's decision to share her husband's emotional message led to the parents receiving support on social media, as you can see below:
How lucky to have a Dad like that :pray:
- Eliza Mishcon (@elizamishcon) November 4, 2017
No one really gets it unless your in it. But I've learnt to let go of those "friends". It's quite liberating. But doesn't take away the pain
- Eliza Mishcon (@elizamishcon) November 4, 2017
People from all over the UK and Ireland have even been offering to be friends with the family.
Reilly and his parents have now been invited to kids' parties in Dublin, Glasgow and London, among other cities.
It's fantastic to hear that Reilly and his parents have gained more support as a result of Shane's message.
No matter what they are going through, families are never alone, and should never believe otherwise.
