On the “Write!” she says” wordpress, Sharon Edwards, the mother of an autistic child relates her story about how her son is oblivious to everyone and everything, save things related to Star Wars. It’s one more example of how Star Wars is a positive influence in the world.
But the story gets better… You see, the boy really wanted to fight Darth Vader at the Disney Hollywood Studios Jedi Academy Training.
And things almost went terribly wrong.
You’ll have to head over to her website to read her full account, but here’s a couple of highlights:
You see, during the months of planning for our Disneyworld trip, I found out about the Jedi Training Academy in Hollywood Studios and knew that my little boy would LOVE participating in it. He has been diagnosed with autism, and is typically oblivious to what goes on around him–except for Star Wars. I found an online clip of the Jedi Academy that some parent uploaded and showed him. He was so excited!
“I want to do that! I want to fight Darth Vader!”
He so very seldom really communicates with us that when he does, I move heaven and earth to keep that connection going. He wanted to fight Darth Vader, huh? Then by God, he would.
“Josiah, look at me, please. Look at me. Good. Listen to me. Are your ears on? Good. That lady is going to ask you how old you are. Do you know how old you are? Eight! That’s right! Now, you HAVE talk to her, OK? I mean it, sweetie. When she talks to you, you talk back, or she won’t let you fight Darth Vader.” He never gave any sign of recognition, but I hoped that he understood. We’ve been working on appropriate conversation skills for months now, and I was counting on that therapy to kick in high gear for him in this moment.
It’s our turn! Here we go.
“Hello and good morning!” Said a bright and cheery Disney cast member to Josiah. (They are ALL bright and cheery.) “Are you ready to battle the Dark Side?”
“Yes.” Josiah mumbled.
Oh my God! He talked to her!
“Good! We need brave Jedis like you. How old are you?”
Josiah hesitated. She asked him again. I was about to answer for him when he said, “I eight.”
Yes!
“Eight. That’s great! Now, can you follow directions?”
Josiah blinked at her.
“If I told you to raise your hands, what would you…Good!”
Josiah had risen his hands up high before she finished her question.
Because of this miracle of a “conversation” we were able to secure two spots for both of our kids in the 8:00 show. (our daughter decided she wanted to be a Jedi too) Perfect! This is going to be something they’ll remember their entire life!
But things wouldn’t work out so well… You’ll have to head over there to read the rest of the story, but the Disney Cast Members who handle the Jedi Academy Training Center deserve some sort of medal or award.
Star Wars is everywhere and I’m happy to see it pop up in ways like this instead of people moaning about what they hate.