Letter: Autistic son denied opportunity to skate

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February 10, 2012

The Salem News Fri Feb 10, 2012, 04:32 AM EST

To the editor:

My son Jack is 6 years old and autistic. Though high functioning, he still possesses all of the characteristics of an autistic child.

My husband and I are constantly trying to involve him in physical activities in order to help make him feel more included and keep him physically active. This is, of course, challenging for a child that has difficulty attending or paying attention to instruction and waiting his turn. We recently enrolled him in karate with the understanding that in order for him to participate, either my husband or myself or Jack's therapist will be next to him the whole time supporting him and helping to keep him on task.

Two weeks ago my husband took Jack ice-skating to see if maybe this would be something he would enjoy. We had our concerns with all the pitfalls that could be present and difficult for a child with autism. It is very crowded and loud and cold, with many other things that could become over-stimulating. But we forged forward and tried it anyway.

Lo and behold, he loved it and was actually pretty good. We have gone two weekends in a row now and, so far so good.

As we were leaving I saw the sign for learn-to-skate. How great would this be — ice time with fewer people and an opportunity for both of my kids to learn to skate. I also have a 4-year-old son named Joe. I called the Peabody rink to inquire about these lessons. I understand that the rink is closing on March 1 for renovations, but I asked about the next session.

I explained to the woman on the phone our situation and that my son can do it, he would just need either my husband or myself or his therapist on the ice with him for support and to make it easier for the instructor. I was basically told that they do not take our kind there. We are not asking them for special attention or one-on-one instruction. We will provide that. We just want Jack to be able to skate with the other children.

To my horror they said, "Sorry, no exceptions."

I asked the woman on the phone if she knew that she was discriminating against a child with special needs and she just said, "No, I do not think we are."

I am shocked and horrified that in 2012 with children with special needs being so prevalent, this kind of discrimination is still so blatant.

We know Jack is different. We just want him to be able to enjoy some of the same things as other kids.

Lea Irzyk

Danvers

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Letter: Autistic son denied opportunity to skate

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