Autistic boy ‘snack shamed’ for bringing banana bread to school, Calgary mom says

National Post (Postmedia) ^ | April 10, 2017 | Shawn Logan

[rickmichaels]

A Calgary mom says her autistic son was “snack shamed” for taking banana bread to school, forced to eat in the hallway while his Grade 1 classmates ate fresh fruits and vegetables.

The mom, whom Postmedia has agreed not to identify over concerns her six-year-old son could be punished, said she recently learned he had been removed from class for the offending snack.

“They told me they only allow fresh fruits and vegetables for snack time,” she said, noting there are limited foods he will actually eat.

“He was told to sit outside of the class to eat his snack. It’s not right. He’s being punished by being made to eat by himself.”

The mom said her son is on the higher functioning side of the autism spectrum and attends regular classes at a Calgary public school despite his special needs.

But by ostracizing her child from his classmates, she feels it’s hurting his development and contributing to his growing antipathy toward school that’s manifested in recent months.

The mom said last week she met with administrators at the school and was told healthy snacks were part of the school’s learning environment.

“I was told it was part of the health curriculum or health unit, and he had to eat healthy food,” said the mother.

“I said (my son) should be in class eating with the other kids. I understand healthy eating, but you’re not going to tell me what to feed my child.”

According to the Calgary Board of Education’s nutrition policy, only “healthy food and beverage” options are sold or provided in the district’s schools, however it doesn’t apply to snacks or lunches packed for students by their parents.

[Only1choice____Freedom]

My son is one of these “high functioning” autism spectrum kids and I can tell you it is real and can be rather intense.

I know several other non-functional autistic children and they are not even close to being manageable.

From birth, he has been a challenge and a joy.

After a LOT of work and persistence, he graduated with honors and earned his Eagle.

During this time, he has been in special education groups until he was mainstreamed into his high school.

He has had to learn how to deal with it and with others who do not understand. With great persistence and determination, he has overcome his challenges and is now in college doing computer engineering.

He had a few bad teachers and teaching assistants along the way. His mother was totally involved with his schooling and got them handled.

In a situation like this, I can see getting them what they will eat during young ages but they will need to learn ways around it. The very young have the most trouble and empathy goes a long way.

Dr. Asburger found during WWII that Autism is related to genius and if you eliminate the Autism gene, you remove the possibility of genius.

Parents should tell him to enjoy his banana bread in peace and joy. He doesn’t have to share it with anybody and nobody should shame him about his food choices. I imagine many others are jealous about not having to eat their crap.

The parents need to get involved with the teachers and stop this.

Children who are high functioning do not have to stay in the Autism system and can actually be very successful after working past the label.

Talk to some more people who are dealing with this. It can be difficult but very rewarding.

There is another side to it.