Being a parent of a child with autism is a challenge that most of us will never truly understand – but Shane Stephenson does. His 6-year-old son Reilly is autistic and nonverbal.
Photo Credit: Facebook, The Life of Reilly – Autism & us
As you probably remember, there’s nothing more exciting to a 6-year-old than a birthday party. Which is why Reilly’s father Shane was heartbroken when his son wasn’t invited to any of the birthday parties his ‘friends’ hosted for their kids.
Photo Credit: Facebook, The Life of Reilly – Autism & us
Shane decided he couldn’t remain silent about the situation any longer, so he sent a text to his fellow parents through a group chat expressing his feelings.
Photo Credit: Facebook, Shane Stephenson
Shane’s wife shared the moving text on Twitter:
Photo Credit: Twitter, life_of_reillys
The tweet quickly went viral, and people voiced their support for Shane and Reilly.
Photo Credit: Twitter, Dead_Suzi
Photo Credit: Twitter, BurgessKristel
Photo Credit: Twitter, MILLIEMCBRIDExx
Photo Credit: Twitter, anj102
We need more parents like Shane to speak up. Kids with autism should not ostracized – they should be doing what all 6-year-olds are supposed to be doing. Having fun with their friends.
h/t: Pizza Bottle
