Mom Takes Upset Autistic Son to TGI Fridays. Waitress Gives Him 'Superhero' Discount
According to the Autism Society of America, autism is a complex developmental disability categorized as a “spectrum disorder.” Essentially, there’s no known single cause — and it can impact people to widely varying degrees.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a 2016 report showing that autism has become nearly twice as prevalent as it was back in 2004.
That means societal awareness is likely increasing as well — but that doesn’t necessarily make day-to-day living with the disorder any easier.
Jen Goodland-Wyatt understands these inherent challenges on a distinctly personal level. Her own son, Oscar, has autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
He’s also struggled with heart issues since he was extremely young, making ongoing cardiologist care a necessity. This can sometimes impose limitations that curtail Oscar’s desired level of activity.
But Oscar has also become a spirited inspiration across social media. And it’s all because of a simple trip to TGI Fridays.
Goodhand-Wyatt, who resides with her family in England, recently took Oscar out to eat at a local TGI Fridays in Binley Woods.
They had just come from a hospital visit, where Oscar’s cardiologist had explained that the youngster couldn’t participate in karate due to his heart.
This was deeply distressing news for Oscar. As his mother explained to restaurant staff after he’d selected a Star Wars-themed table, her son considered himself a “Star Wars-loving superhero.”
For this reason, the “no karate” verdict was putting a serious crimp in Oscar’s self-esteem. But then a waitress walked up, leaned toward her young guest, and said, “I understand you’re a superhero — here’s your menu.”
After the food arrived, a male staffer strolled over with two balloon models he’d made for Oscar.
Then he came back and announced that the boy could order any English pudding item he wanted from the kitchen.
An elated Oscar instantly chose the chocolate brownie. When his mother asked why such a kindhearted offer had been extended, the staffer simply explained, “Because he’s a superhero!”
But the icing on the proverbial cake came when the final bill arrived. There at the bottom of the slip, in shout-out-loud capital letters, a bona fide SUPERHERO discount had been applied — and Oscar had gotten his delectable dessert for free.
“It just goes to show that anyone can be anything they want,” Oscar’s grateful mother explained to media outlets.
It also demonstrates that just a few seconds of simple kindness can make almost anyone’s day a lot more spectacular.
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