Have you ever read a biography or watched a documentary that is so very good, that you feel privileged to have been allowed to experience it? Very, very occasionally a piece of media or text really does change the way you think about the world.
It’s a special kind of story telling, usually one that is disarmingly simple, that grabs you whole, swallows you up and transports you into the mind of someone else. All of a sudden the actions, words and thoughts of a stranger make perfect sense. You’ve walked a mile in their shoes and realised why their shoes are the way they are.
This is one of those stories.
It will delight you.
Comments
28 Comments so far
That made me cry a little bit… incredibly moving.
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Wow, this is very similar to the conversations I’ve had with my own Asperger’s son, now 10.
Last week though he asked the most heartbreaking question –
‘Mum, do I have a disability, because you know autism is a disability, right?
My answer was that he just sees and inteprets the world differently to other people and no, he didn’t have a disability as such (technically a white lie, but there is not need to erode his already fragile self-esteem).
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What a heart warming conversation. Just beautiful.
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I’m only 23 and have no kids, but this brought tears to my eyes. What a heartwarming story and I hope one day I have a relationship like this with my children.
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As a new Mum to an already special little boy I can only hope that I can share such a special bond with my son as he grows. Whilst I do not wish for him to face such challenges as Aspergers, I do hope I am able to be the kind of parent this mother is. Open, honest and yet holds a very rare understanding of the pleasures and concerns for the little person she created.
To the filmmakers, congratulations on keeping the film piece simple to allow people like me to walk in these shoes for four minutes.
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I’m not a crier, but I had some tears over this.
It reminds me of my talks with my sons and how precious they are.
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Wow, such an amazing video I couldn’t keep track of all the feelings I was having. Firstly, what an amazing child to be able to vocalise all of his deepest thoughts, secondly to the mother who had the right and honest answers. Thirdly, to wish my autistic daughter who is going through the same things in everyday life, could put into words what this beautiful boy did.
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Beautiful! I couldn’t watch the cartoon with it though, it made it seem like a made-up story. I shut my eyes after the first few seconds and kept them shut.
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What a beautiful soul this boy has! He has purposefully selected a very clever and loving Mum. A really beautiful video.
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Love it
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Gosh I loved watching that, what a lovely conversation between two wonderful people.
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My daughter does not have Aspberger’s but is academically gifted and mature beyond her years (and very shy). Everyone would think it is a dream come true to have a bright child- but it has been incredibly difficult and at times, heartbreaking. She has difficulty relating to her peers as her interests are quite different (e.g. She followed the American election with passionate interest, very concerned re: the policies of Mitt Romney- most 13 year olds could not care less). Being a bit “different” to other kids is pretty tough and challenging to parent but it teaches you a lot as a parent- assertiveness (in having to advocate for your child, even if you are shy yourself), compassion, acceptance and thoughtfulness, counseling skills and lateral thinking. This mother sounds like a beautiful person (as does her gorgeous son)- thanking for sharing the story.
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Beautiful honesty. My Asperger’s son has stretched and challenged me since the day he was born. I have learnt so much about myself. From a young woman who cared greatly what society thought of me, I have evolved into a mother who rises above societal expectations and embraces non-conformity.
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I love your comment. Wishing you both happy times.
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Aw thank you Anna!
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Agree, great comment! We should all try harder to care less about what others think.
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This touched me so deeply I am sobbing uncontrollably! It was like listening to me and my little boy talk (he has asperger too). He has made me a better parent.
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Absolutely beautiful!
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wow! Thank you for sharing this, it has warmed my heart!
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This made me cry. What an amazing mother who has clearly raised a very intelligent young child.
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What a terrific Mum – really liked this.
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Wow. She knew just the most excellent, right things to say! Loved it!
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Just so lovely. Great Mum and incredible young son.
Being able to be upfront and honest or ask the questions I really want to ask has been a really difficult thing for me – it makes you vulnerable and I never wanted to look foolish for revealing my real feelings. This kid is already able to do that. Aspergers must be really tough but hopefully as he grows people will be able to see the value in someone who says what he’s thinking and asks what he wants to know.
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Right! And I find it amazing that the ‘skill’ of being upfront and honest is actually part of his ‘disorder’. There really is a silver lining to everything that seems like a cloud
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Beautiful. My cousin has aspergers, and he is a gift to our family. We love him to bits.
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Love that! What an awesome mum
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I thought that was going to be a waste of 4 minutes, but now I can’t stop crying.
That was so beautiful, what a great mum.
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Same here. So glad I watched it.
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