An Interesting Way To Lack Autism Awareness
My synagogue was having our annual fair for the community. We had lots of vendors attending to sell goods and advertise services. My wife and fourteen-year-old son were hosting a table for one of the vendors, an autism-friendly play-place (with the word “spectrum” in its name) at which my son is a member.
At about noon, I took a break from my volunteer position and took my wife’s place at the table so that she could get lunch. A woman came up to the table and glanced over the literature.
Woman: “Are you Spectrum?”
Me: “Excuse me?”
Woman: “Are you Spectrum?”
I thought that was a funny way to put it but was willing to play along.
Me: “No, but he is.” *Pointing to my son*
The woman looked confused but then recovered.
Woman: “Well, what are you going to do about your rates now that Disney and [Multiple Sports Provider] have changed their packages?”
Our local cable company also has the word “spectrum” in its name.
Me: “Ma’am, autism-spectrum not cable-spectrum.”
Woman: *Very flustered* “Oh, I’m so sorry.” *Scurries away*
Son: “Why did she say that?”
Me: “Because some grown-ups don’t pay attention. They see just one word but don’t look at all the other words around it.”
Son: “Oh, I get it.”
It turned out to be a good learning opportunity — hopefully, for two people.
Question of the Week
Have you ever met a customer who thought the world revolved around them?
