I visited Petal Pushers Farm on Thursday, June 5, 2025, around 11:30 a.m., looking for plants for a large area in my yard. I've driven by many times and was hopeful they might have what I needed.
Upon arrival, my adult autistic son and I began browsing the selection. A woman who worked there approached us and asked if we needed assistance. While I was speaking with her, my son, who is affectionate and enjoys making social connections, began walking toward her with clear eye contact. As his caregiver, I immediately redirected him with both body language and verbal cues, which he responded to right away, stopping several feet from her. My son is diminutive in stature, 5'6" and 135lbs soaking wet.
Despite this, the woman raised her hand toward him in a strong "stop" gesture that caused him to break eye contact and step back. While I can't speak to her personal experiences, the gesture felt unnecessarily harsh and dismissive toward my son, who meant no harm and was simply seeking connection. That moment left us feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome, and we chose to leave without making a purchase.
Every customer deserves to feel respected, including those with special needs. I sincerely hope this feedback helps the business grow in awareness and inclusion. read more
