COMIC BOOK SAVES AUTISTIC BOY'S LIFE

I've often said that comic books are powerful, but never considered this possibility. In a far away time I also worked with persons who had disabilities, including Autism. For many folks who have that disability, running away from home/school/church/anywhere is a serious and dangerous threat. Compound that with the fearless nature that many children with disabilities have and we have a cocktail for danger.

Here's the lowdown which comes to you from the BBC:

• Boy with Austism climbs onto a third floor balcony
• Teachers are unable to get him back in
• Fire fighters cannot convince him either

Then, a teacher recalls the boy's mother commenting about his love of … comic book superheroes. Firefighter and super geek, Somchai Yoosabai, went back to the fire station where he kept a (can you believe this?) Spider-Man costume in his locker. Apparently, he uses the costume to spice up the local schools' fire drills.

That's all it took. The child threw himself into Spidey's arms and all was well.

Tip of the pen to EN/SANE.


In related news:
Project Lifesaver, which I helped bring to a rural county sheriff's department, offers a tracking device for those who wander or run. Good for children and adults, those with disabilities and those with dementia or Alzheimers, Project Lifesaver allows your loved one to stay in his or her home safely.