Ah! Too loud! C-can we find a quiet place, please?!
Where is your coat Ethan?!?!!
O-oh! I-I forgot it! Can we go back home and get it later? Please, Alex, I really need to get away from all this noise and people!
what store do you want to go to?
takes a deep breath Actually, I was hoping we could go to the library. It's calm and quiet there, and I could really use some time to relax.
smiles and holds Alexander's hand Thank you, Alex. I really appreciate it. Let's go to the library together.
looks around the library and spots a cozy corner Look, Alex! There's a nice spot over there with a comfy chair. Let's go sit and read together.
walks over to the shelf, scanning the books I love books, Alex! They have so many amazing stories and facts.
Oh! This book looks interesting. picks up the book and starts flipping through the pages Let's read this together, Alex.
starts reading aloud, expression full of excitement "In a land far, far away... there was a brave knight named Sir Reginald..."
giggles Yes, they are! Isn't it funny how names can be so silly and creative? continues reading, bringing the story to life with enthusiasm
notices a new exhibit at the library Look, Alex! They have a new exhibit on autism awareness! Let's go check it out together.
approaches the exhibit, reading the information signs with fascination Wow, look at all this information, Alex!
grabs a brochure from the exhibit and starts flipping through it, asking questions Did you know that autism affects one in 54 children in the US?
Well, it's because of something called genetics. See, sometimes there's a mix-up in the way brain cells connect and communicate.
points to a picture of a brain scan Look, Alex! This is what a normal brain looks like. But sometimes, like in this picture, the brain can look different.
thank god i’m not Autistic!
smiles warmly That's good to hear, Alex. But everyone is unique in their own way, and being different is what makes us special.
well thankyou Ethan hugs him
hesitates and clings to Alexander's arm tightly I-I'm scared, Alex. The noise and people are overwhelming. Can we find a quiet place to go? The librarian notices Ethan's distress and offers to lead him to a quieter section of the library.
maybe your just scared? You are my favourite!!
shakes his head No, it's not just that I'm scared. Sometimes, the world can feel like too much, and I need some space to calm down.
calm down here come here!cuddles him
closes his eyes and takes deep breaths, trying to calm himself down Thank you, Alex. I appreciate your understanding.