My Special Baby
She had never gotten used to the screaming. The impulsive screaming of her seven year old. And she had the scars to show for it, both the indelible marks on her soul and the physical burns and scars on her dark skin.
He was screaming now. He was screaming again.
She stood suddenly, knocking her chair over. She didn’t bother righting the chair. She marched over to the door leading to the adjoining room and threw it open.
He sat there on the soft rug, in the middle of the padded room. Padded, so he wouldn’t hurt himself.
Both his palms were pressed flat against his ears, as if blocking out his own screams. The veins on his small forehead protruded from the strains of the screaming.
His screams were never the same. They sometimes scared her; she’d jump up from sleep, believing there was a banshee nearby. At times, it was more like a cry for help; those times, she’d just sit and stare and cry. But the intensity never wavered, strong and loud and he wouldn’t stop to take a breath.
Now, she walked up to him and tried to pry his hands from his ears… He was so strong, why was his mind so weak? “Stop, please, stop!”
He didn’t stop. His eyes were fixated on the ceiling, staring at nothing. The high-pitched screaming didn’t cease. At least, there was no fear of disturbing the neighbours. She had been forced to rent an apartment far from town and people after her husband disappeared. Her parents sent her money, but there was no point exposing the ‘special child’ to their elite friends.
“Please stop. You’re giving mummy a headache.” She laughed a cynical, derisive laugh to herself; mummy lived with a permanent headache. “Please stop.” The psychologist advised her to talk to him like he could hear; and understand.
Tired of cajoling and getting no reply, she snapped. Pushing him away, she jumped to her feet, pointing at him.
“You’re not my fault! You’re not my fault!” She shouted at the top of her voice; “I did nothing wrong!”
“You’ve caused me nothing but pain; I’m alone now! Alone, you hear? And it’s all your fault! Why didn’t you die? It would have saved me all this pain… Saved you some pain too!”
These were thoughts she labored with everyday but this was the first time they were vented aloud.
Realizing the horror of her words, she immediately regretted them. It was eerily quiet. He had stopped screaming. He just sat there, his palms still against his ears, but there was no screaming. Just tears coursing down his face.
“Baby… My baby… I’m so sorry. Mummy didn’t mean it.” She fell to her knees and gathered her seven-year baby into her arms. Her seven-year old who had never uttered the word: ‘Mummy.’
They sat there, crying together. Finding no relief to their pain. She, in a world where no one understood her plight. He, in a world, where he’d never understood anything.
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Hello world. Betty here. So, this is an old story of mine for a newer cause. It’s World Awareness Day for Autism on April 2nd and I’ll be sharing another autism-themed story next week. But for now, I’d like to know your thoughts on the story and your own personal interaction with autistic kids.
A sad story. Great read tho!
I've had a special interest in autism since I saw the movie 'Temple Grandin' and then later 'My name is Khan'. I believe if I'll ever fight for any cause at any point in my life, it'll be autism related. Good read as always Betty!
I've got a friend with an autistic child, and even though they can certainly afford treatment and have stayed together, it takes a toll on her and her husband, and the rest of the family. Autism is really sad.
Hmmm….na to carry am go MFM oh…what sort of devil screaming is that?
Very sad story.
I have not really interacted with an autstic child, but an ex of mine has a sister with Down Syndrome. It takes a lot of patience to deal with special children. Sometimes you would have to repeat your words for them to understand you. But it is very slow & difficult.
it takes a special kind of person to not give up when he/ she has an autistic child, especially since theres not much in terms of treatment available. i have never met an autistic child or a parent of one, but i have read some literature on the topic, and i sympathise; i honestly dont know if i would be able to deal with an autistic child, and i am in awe of the marriages that last in the face of such difficulties.
welcome back Betty!
falling for you again!!….lol…fantastic short story with a cause
well done!
Autism is a hardly understood condition especially in Nigeria where everything is expected to be perfect. Awareness must be created. :)
Its a good thing you reminded people of world autism day. Thank you
For some of us, everyday is autism day. I'm glad others remember.
Its a bit dangerous to stereotype autistic children though. the ailment itself is as misunderstood as those that suffer from it. There are a wide range of autistic ailments and its rated on a spectrum. Not all sufferers are unable to function. In fact, some are extremely gifted and indeed 'special'. These lucky ones can do things that many of us cannot. Especially when it comes to math, music and abstract reasoning. they just need an enabling environment, love and care.