This field trip was different in that we were split into two groups for guided tours. It was interesting to watch the tour guides at first be very animated, directing questions and comments towards all the kids but as soon as they figured out two of our group (my daughter included) wasn't very interactive with what was being said, their attention and questions went to the younger brother of a student. Like any "typical" three year old he showed the excitement responsiveness that one would expect from any child. At one point during the "smithy" presentation the other child in our group who I think is mostly non verbal but around ten dropped to the ground and started screaming. Like a pro, his mom took care of him and distracted him by offering to push the stroller that had his little brother in it.
After about a half hour we went on a wagon ride with a grandmother and her two-year-old who just happened to be visiting the farm that day. She asked if the kids went to a special school and we were able to talk briefly about it. It was refreshing as she didn't add the "my friends cousins sisters best friends daughter/son has autism" comment. I know people mean well but one thing is for certain, no two autistic children are the same. I don't feel I can relate on a personal level with anyone that has an autistic child if they can talk. Not having a solid means of communication I feel is the biggest hinderance to any child. You don't know why they're having a bad day, you don't know if someone has done something to them or neglected them which is the major reason why we moved out of state so she can go to this school.
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