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Every year for Christmas, my mother-in-law buys our family a membership to the children’s museum. We are from Anderson, but we make a trip to the museum on average every three weeks. My son Justin, 8 has Asperger’s syndrome. Asperger’s is on the autism spectrum. This means Justin struggles to fit in socially, and often feels left out of peer groups. However, he is a brilliant child with a passion for history. He memorizes dates upon sight and can recall them upon demand in an almost a savant like fashion. His absolute favorite exhibit in the whole museum is the Power of Children. Every visit we spend at least 45 minutes in this exhibit, watching the presentations and examining the artifacts. He knows when Hitler became chancellor of Germany and what year Ruby Bridges was born. However, he has developed a special attachment to Ryan White. While most kids look up to Justin Bieber, his favorite artist is Elton John, for the kindness he shown Ryan. There is something magical in his story for my son. In ways he can’t express, it is comforting to know that here is another boy who didn’t fit in with his peers, and yet had the courage to be himself. Because of Justin’s love of history and his great empathy, he is a fantastic explorer and would be thrilled for a chance to go to Washington, D.C. the home of American history!
Name: Melissa Brutchen
Name: Melissa Brutchen
