By Ellen Zellner | Published on March 16, 2021 | 5 Minute Read

Hello. My name is Ellen Zellner and I am blessed with a 34 year old autistic son who is also diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome. When he was young, he wore numerous leg braces and spinal braces for symptoms affiliated with Marfan Syndrome. On one occasion as we entered the hospital lobby for a physical therapy session, a young boy approached my son and stared into his face and said "you're weird". His mom was on her cell phone with other children in tow completely oblivious to what was happening. I had to address this little boy immediately. I bent down to his level and asked him "why do you think he's weird?" Well why does he wear those things( leg braces) ? was his response. I explained that his legs weren't as strong as this little boys'. He can't run and play basketball like you can I told him. He replied " but I'm not good at it." "You don't have to be good at it but at least you can do those things" I told him. "You know what? I said to him- you hurt his feelings and mine too." He responded "I'm sorry" and went back to his mom. This story exemplifies the fact that unless "typical children" are taught that because some children have special needs does not mean that they are weird. They just have to do things differently but ALL children have feelings. Thank you very much.

Regards,

ELLEN

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