The First Time A Boy With Autism Received A Party Invite His Mum Didn't Have To Decline | HuffPost Life

The Simple Request That Meant This Boy With Autism Could Go To A Birthday Party

Ellen Wallwork— The Huffington Post UK

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Tricia Rhynold had always felt the need to turn down birthday party invitations sent to her son, who has severe autism spectrum disorder, - until she received an invite with the simple request:

"Let me know how we can make it work."

Timothy, seven, has received many invitations from school friends over the past couple of years, but he hasn't ever attended a single party. Rhynold politely declines the invites because:

"I wonder if the parents know what would happen if I brought Timothy? The interruptions....the meltdowns.....how I would hate to take the spotlight from the birthday child," she explains on her blog The Book Of Timothy.

Turning down the invitations wasn't an easy decision for the mother, as she writes:

"We parents of the 'specials' know only too well the hurts our kids feel when they are left out of the social gatherings relative to childhood. "

But then Timothy received an invitation which brought a smile to Rhynold's face.

The invite reads: "Carter sat beside Timothy at school and he always talks about him. I really hope he can come.

"We are renting a bounce castle that we can attach a small bounce slide at the bottom. We will also have water balloons and water guns."

And then the part that changed everything:

"Maybe Timothy can come earlier in the day if it would be too much with the whole class.

"Let me know how we can make it work"

SEE ALSO:
10 Things Parents Of Children With Autism Want To Tell You
I Stand Quietly: A Letter to My Daughter and to Everybody

Rhynold says she doesn't know the mother who sent the invite personally, but she would like to get to know her better.

"This Mum gives me hope for Timothy's future when sometimes I get stuck in the darkness of his diagnosis," she writes.

"This Mum is everything I strive to be."

Rhynold's blog post about the invitation has now gone viral and received comments from people who can relate:

"Your words, 'This Mum is everything I strive to be' are being applied to you, by me, right now," wrote one commenter.

"Just wanted to let you know that you have touched my heart. I don't know you, I don't know Timothy, but you've both left a happy mark on my soul. Thank you."

What Autism Means

(01 of26)

At first autism meant "scary" to our family. As time went on autism became normal. The littlest things like your child eating a new food puts you in a good mood and warrants a brag post on Facebook! (credit:Andrea Reynolds)

(02 of26)

It means seeing the world through a different set of lenses. (credit:Aimee Heintz)

(03 of26)

It would take at least a dozen pictures. Him reading a book at 3-years-old, even though no one taught him how. Crying because the sun hurts his eyes or his brothers were just too loud. Laughing. Snuggling. Riding his bike. He has taught us so much. He is truly our sunshine. (credit:Erika Strojny Myers)

(04 of26)

Our daughter has Down syndrome and autism and is a small piece of the puzzle. Autism means a little more unique than the rest... (credit:Liz O'Neill DeSantis)

(05 of26)

Autism is enjoying swings, rides and slides! (credit:Bree Beers)

(06 of26)

Autism means your child can be your hero. (credit:Nikki Walling)

(07 of26)

Autism to me means cherishing every milestone, every bite of food, every babble, every time my son points to something to share interest, every hug, every kiss. We rejoiced when he would tolerate eating a sucker! It was a big deal! Literally every moment or stride brings me joy and hope. (credit:Denisse Edwards)

(08 of26)

To our family autism means compassion and patience. It inspires me to see the uniqueness in all children, even "typical" kids. (credit:Timil Jones)

(09 of26)

Autism means building from our strengths and what brings us joy. (credit:Johannah Maynard Edwards)

(10 of26)

Taking family vacations like everyone else. (credit:Autumn J)

(11 of26)

Autism means that moments like these are rare and treasured and completely unforgettable. (credit:Leah Soderberg)

(12 of26)

Autism means looking at the world through a magnificent set of lenses that only he can provide. (credit:Megan Kuecher)

(13 of26)

Autism is celebrating the accomplishments that others overlook -- even something as simple as touching sand! (credit:Karen LaSalle)

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Autism means sometimes she wants a big hug -- just not from her mommy. Autism means understanding all her nonverbal cues and never taking it personally. (credit:Carey Struss Pruett)

(15 of26)

It means never having the socially accepted "appropriate" answer, but always being a delightful surprise and a ray of fresh sunshine. Also it means hating babies but loving his little brother unconditionally. (credit:Tricia Lewis)

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It means taking a completely different path on the journey you had in your mind, all while learning that beauty is nothing like you ever imagined, it's better. (credit:Amanda Webster)

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Autism to us means knowing that not everyone will understand and that's OK. (credit:Aleana Lopez)

(18 of26)

Autism means learning and changing. I never expected to be here, but I will do everything I can to help my son. (credit:Nicole Baum)

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Autism means that it's not going to be how I thought it would be. It means taking a different path than most. It means I will hold his hand and walk with him through whatever struggle we face or success we have. (credit:Amanda Gutierrez-Taylor)

(20 of26)

Autism means finding joy in each and every accomplishment! Autism means challenges, loving so much it hurts, growth, setbacks, memorizing every line from a movie, picky eating, laughing, innocence. This kid's future is so bright that he needs his shades indoors. (credit:Megan O'Neill)

(21 of26)

It means the rules change every day, food usually doesn't get eaten, and I was lucky enough to give birth to the bravest Superman I've ever known. (credit:Dympna Calandro)

(22 of26)

To us, autism means not assuming that ASD kids are unhappy or un-bonded to their families. Drew is the sweetest, kindest, most loving little boy. In our life, autism means getting stuck in every entrance door because Drew has a fixation on doors. It also means protecting our sweet baby from the mean people who have cussed at him when he's had a meltdown in public. (credit:Jackelyn Eller)

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It's about living out loud; he never censors himself to make anyone feel more comfortable, he is unapologetically himself. When you're a freshman and your sister is a senior and she takes you as her date to the winter formal, that's a pretty fantastic thing. Sure, he may have both Down syndrome AND autism, but he's also got some killer dance moves; neither diagnosis defines him. (credit:Jayne Schroeder)

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It means we learn to take on this crazy world in a whole different way together, we teach each other and the people around us to think and learn a different and unique way. My favorite saying: " I would not change you for the world, but I would change the world for you" (credit:Jess Winter Rivers)

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I believe autism means to have more patience and be more patient and to have an open mind for new ideas to overcome challenges. I believe every child has a story, they are unique and beautiful in their special ways. (credit:Michelle Lora)

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We are a military family with two beautiful boys on the spectrum and to us autism is just love. (credit:Jessi Henry)

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