Special Child

Posted on by areadingwriter

Special Child

I am used to kids with autism being called ‘special’ until I have given birth to one. Since then, I hated that term.

I gradually figured out they call kids with autism special to sugarcoat the word abnormal. My son isn’t normal. I’m fine with that. No sugarcoat needed.

He can only say one word, not papa neither mama. Just ‘nanasor’ which means dinosaur. He was lost in his own Jurassic Park. As he aged that doesn’t changed. I thought his speech-inability is the worst part of his autism, but I was wrong.

One hot afternoon, an old lady was hit by a truck. No one was able to see the fast-paced accident, only my five-year old son with autism.

He shouted ‘nanasors’ until I figured out his one-word message.

That moment I knew, he is indeed a special child.

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Word count: 140

©2016 Rosemawrites@A Reading Writer. All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: Yinglan of This is Another Story

In response to Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) May 17, 2016.

Rules:

  • a flash fiction challenge (stories in 100-175 words or less)
  • each story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end
  • no serial (continuation) stories
  • include a pingback to the challenge post

Thank you for the cute yet tough prompt, Priceless Joy! ❤ 

Read more short stories here:

Published by areadingwriter

I read because I write. | I write because I read.

50 thoughts on “Special Child”

  1. Well written Rosema. Autistic children are special children indeed because their senses are hyper-attuned and far more sensitive, which is why it’s annoying when some people simply don’t get it. No child/adult chooses to be a special needs child nor sick of any ailment, so we really should learn kindness and be mindful in our acceptance. I think a lot of stigma comes from society’s strictures and definition of normalcy which fails woefully in building capacity for those who are not caught within this gap of over-rated normalcy. Your story captures a lot of background thoughts and worries that a parent would experience.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Jacq! I love the fervor in your voice. Your passion as a mom is so evident. And I agree with you. It is the society, the stigma against these kids that make them ‘not normal’.

      Liked by 1 person

      3. I’m honored. Really. Stephen King said he’s the literary equivalent of a cheeseburger and fries. If that’s the case, I’m the moldy cheese beneath the, seat in a minivan. 😊💕

        Liked by 1 person

  6. A thing I find interesting about those kids who become adult who are autistic is even if they don’t seem that way, most of them are very smart, and have a talent that is beyond what a nonaustic person would have. In your story, he was able to see this fast paced accident and get help fast. I liked that he was more then everyone thought he was and as you say “indeed a special child.” Well written Rosema. You take on these issues in society and you make your points well.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. You have threaded a beautiful story dear friend. I can feel the nurturing side of you kicking in within each line.
    If you have not read it, give this book a try: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
    Novel by Mark Haddon.

    Have a beautiful day!!
    ❤ Love, Dajena

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Dajena! 🙂 The books I read about autism gave me a truthful sneak peak on lives of these very special children. The latest I’ve read is Love Anthony which was really really great. 🙂 I have read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
      Novel by Mark Haddon, too. And I love it equally. ❤
      Thank you darling Dajena! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  8. All children are special, so the moniker doesn’t make much sense. Autistic children are gifted distinctively; and, yes, they can be a challenge. I suppose I’ve had more experience with those whose autism is Asperger. I like the precocity of these ones.

    Great story, ringing true, Rosema!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Oh my, once again you’ve carried us to the heart’s place–am I correct in understanding that at the end, he’s saying “Nanna Soars”? These special children (with any disability) have angels watching them; and so many lessons for us to learn–“if we have ears to hear, eyes to see”.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. He’s a blessing and I’m glad his mom figured that out. I’m sure he’ll be just fine as long as he’s surrounded with the right kind of people. In this world full of prejudice, the special one’s are the ones hurting the most. We need more people who see the beauty behind flaws nowadays. 🙂 A very moving piece, dear.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. “In this world full of prejudice, the special one’s are the ones hurting the most.”
      Oh wow, dearie, those are wise words that I can imagine written in a best selling book! 🙂
      Thank you very much, MAria! ❤

      Like

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