Rejection

                                                                         

     One of the hardest experiences of parenting an extraordinary needs child is witnessing their rejection by other children. Social success as a young person seems centred on being like everyone else. When you are different, this type of success is scant at best. When not being able to understand social cues, body language and  facial expression are part of the reason that you are different then not only are you unsuccessful but you are not able to understand why. The mystery is unsolvable; the clues are hidden.
     Our daughter has been treated extraordinarily kindly at times. An elementary school friend recently included her in a birthday dinner even though they attend different high schools in different cities; she took the time and made the effort to include our daughter. There have also been occasions of ignorance and rudeness perpetrated by girls who should know better. You expect strangers to let you down---you don't expect it from family friends.
     As a mother it is intolerable to me that these incidents occur; I find it wretched and heart-breaking. That my daughter continues to be cheerful, polite and caring in the face of this proves that she is the better person --- better than me certainly and better definitely than the unthinking, unfeeling person who has shut her out. Our daughter continues to prove by word and example what a truly exceptional person she is in every way. In the face of negativity, although she is hurt, she moves forward with a smile. That is why she is and always will be my hero, bar none.