A Heartbreaking Experience for My Autistic Son…read more
My son, like every other child, is unique and smart. Every child has different interests and talents, and as a parent, I am always looking for opportunities to help my son discover his. That is why I regularly sign him up for different activities.
My son is autistic and sometimes needs a little extra patience. He loves to play, so I researched a suitable place for him and contacted Fight Ready MMA & Fitness Center.
Before we went, I clearly explained our situation. I told them that I wanted my son to participate in group classes so he could socialize and that I was also interested in private lessons. I explained that I wanted him to try a class first so I could see how he would react and whether he enjoyed it. If he did not like it, I would not enroll him. They agreed, and we went for a trial class.
When we arrived, the woman at the front desk told me that I could stay with my son on his first day. I was helping him understand the rules and watching to see whether he was enjoying the class.
Less than five minutes had passed when a man whose name I later learned was Eddie Cha started coming over to us. He told me to get off the mat, pulled me aside, and spoke to me in a very strange and off-putting way.
My son was happily running around the edge of the mat. He was not participating in the same way as the other children, but when I showed him what to do, he tried to sit like them. He was trying very hard. He did not touch anyone, bother anyone, or disrupt the class at all.
About 15 minutes later, Eddie Cha came over again. He said that my son was disrupting the class and basically kicked us out of the gym.
I could not believe what was happening. I was so upset and felt so excluded that I did not know what to do. I took my son and left.
My son was having so much fun and was so happy to be with the other children. Because we had to leave, he cried the entire way home. Seeing him like that broke my heart.
I had explained that my son was autistic before we even went there, and they agreed to let him try the class. Despite that, my son was not given time or patience to adjust. I believe my son was excluded because he is autistic.
I do not know whether Eddie Cha is the owner, a partner, or an instructor at this gym. But owning or working at a business that is open to the public, especially one that serves children, does not give anyone the right to disregard people's rights or the law.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Arizona Revised Statutes § 41-1492.02 prohibit disability discrimination by businesses that serve the public, including gyms.
I believe every child should be treated with respect and patience, especially in a place that teaches children. Children may be different, but they are all children, and they all deserve to be treated equally and with dignity.
I will file complaints with the appropriate agencies and organizations that protect the rights of autistic people and people with disabilities, so they can review what happened. If necessary, I will also pursue legal action.
No child should be made to feel unwanted because they are different, and no parent should have to go through this.