Label

Written for https://weeklyprompts.wordpress.com/?p=14800&preview=true

‘If he has a label of autism, then it could follow him,’ Clara said, watching her boy construct a pyramid out of Duplo bricks. Usual, his talent for seeing the impossible made possible was pure inspiration.

‘It could help him get the support in school. There is no shame to diagnosis. He is going to be entitled to a teaching assistant.

It was a difficult decision, and she couldn’t keep eye contact with the consultant. Her nervousness caused her to stare into the ceiling. From a young age, she viewed things with a different perspective. Conversations with her peers, mixed with her collection of Yu-Gi-Ho cards, never ended well. Until she met her best friend, and then nobody else mattered.

‘Will he ever be able to lead a normal life?’

‘There is a spectrum, and he might have traits, but there is no reason why he can’t be whatever he wants to be. For example, I am a doctor, and I was given this label when I was two. It hasn’t stopped me.’

‘Thank you, it’s just all this information, it is a lot to take in.’

‘It is understandable, I will put you in touch with other people. I find having other parents on your side helps. They are able to offer you advice on how to handle certain situations. Is that someone you would be willing to do?’

‘Yes.’

‘Mummy, are we going now? It is nearly lunchtime, and you promised me a burger.’

‘Unless you have any more questions, we are able leave this for another appointment.’ He handed some leaflets. ‘Read through these, and on the back are the numbers. I reckon you should have some chips.’

As they left the office, she held on to his hand. Whatever happened, she would keep him safe.