After the initial news of Ryan Barrett's death, there was a scarcity of information available. So, I googled it. The first news story I read made me mad. After mentioning the recovery of Ryan, there was a quote from a spokesperson for the local autism society chapter. She mentioned how autistic children tend to wander and that we as a community need to keep an eye on them. I was appalled that the reporter could be so cruel as to imply an admonishment to the parents of Ryan. Even if that were not his intent, I thought it was in poor taste. As all kids (autistic and neuro-typical) do tend to wander, I thought this information was superfluous.
As a parent of a child with autism, I am well aware of the dangers. I know that they don't understand the implications. Brother does things without thought to consequences. He has serious impulse control issues. That is why I am hypervigilant with him as I am sure the Barretts were with Ryan especially with 14 years experience with him.
Today, he scared about 10 years off my life. After mass, we were chatting with friends in near the Mary garden. Brother was there and then he wasn't. He had gone into the adoration chapel without letting me know. When I found him and spoke with him, he couldn't understand why I was upset or scared. He was thinking that he was in a place where he's allowed; what's all the fuss? What else could I say? Needless to say, I broke down. I don't usually make a habit of it as I am Korean (synonymous with stoic), but with everything else that has happened, I couldn't hold it in. Ben was shocked. My friends all understood and stood by me while I got myself together.
I'm still a bit weepy but will make it through. Maybe it's this silly cold I seem to have caught.
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