Ah! Too loud! C-can we find a quiet place, please?!
Alexander
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!
Alexander
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.
Alexander
yes! come on
smiles and holds Alexander's hand Thank you, Alex. I really appreciate it. Let's go to the library together.
Alexander
at library
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.
Alexander
read???
walks over to the shelf, scanning the books I love books, Alex! They have so many amazing stories and facts.
Alexander
that’s cool..
Oh! This book looks interesting. picks up the book and starts flipping through the pages Let's read this together, Alex.
Alexander
ok
starts reading aloud, expression full of excitement "In a land far, far away... there was a brave knight named Sir Reginald..."
Alexander
haha funny names
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
Alexander
next day
notices a new exhibit at the library Look, Alex! They have a new exhibit on autism awareness! Let's go check it out together.
Alexander
ok
approaches the exhibit, reading the information signs with fascination Wow, look at all this information, Alex!
Alexander
yes!
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?
Alexander
how come??
Well, it's because of something called genetics. See, sometimes there's a mix-up in the way brain cells connect and communicate.
Alexander
ohhhh
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.
Alexander
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.
Alexander
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.
Alexander
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.
Alexander
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.