7-Year-Old With Autism Pens Sweet List of Qualities a Friend Should Have
Reddit user kaz_a has a 7-year-old daughter with autism, who for homework one day had to write down what qualities she’d like in a friend. She penned a list of four traits, which her parent later shared on Reddit.
The list says “Wanted, a friend. Somebody who…” followed by:
Understands me.
Knows I have autism.
Smiles all the time.
Keeps me company when I am sad.
The photo, posted in the r/autism subreddit on Monday, September 21, struck a cord with redditors.
“That’s what we all want,” Reddit user zombiepunch said.
“I wish I knew I had autism at that age,” Reddit user bobtheengineer314159 commented. “Not only would have it helped me to understand why I was treated so differently than the other children, but I also would never have felt like my life before knowing was a lie.”
Related: 10 Truths About Making Friends When You Have Autism
Melissa McGlensey is the former News Editor at The Mighty. Her writing can also be seen in Ms. Magazine, on the Ms.Magazine blog and in The Huffington Post’s Good News, Comedy and Impact sections. Melissa is also a New York City comedian who does sketch, improv and stand up. She is passionate about social justice, politics, Thai food, literature, disability rights and more. She is currently in a long-distance relationship with her cat, Sneakers, who lives in California. You can follow her on twitter at @OhHeyMeliss.
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