By Katherine Svenkeson

Mother asks for birthday cards for autistic son

Nov 8, 2016 | 4:00 PM

Most kids want a big party with all their friends and family for their birthday, but not seven-year-old Jared Isenor. He’d be most happy with just a card.

When he was four, Isenor was diagnosed with autism, something that has impacted his life and the lives of his family members. Isenor’s mom, Andrea Fine Day, said a lot of people don’t understand what her son goes through, including high levels of anxiety.

“Last year we took him bowling for his birthday and he had at meltdown at the bowling alley. I think he kind of noticed a lot of people were watching his meltdown. He just couldn’t control it. That’s life with autism,” Fine Day said. “He’s a happy kid, sometimes he just has meltdowns. I know people don’t quite understand what an autism meltdown is. I wish that people would understand that he can’t control it.”

She said her son’s anxiety makes it hard for him to socialize. Isenor attends only half-days at school and even that is a struggle. He’d prefer to stay indoors and play Minecraft or make YouTube videos.  

“We have to explain to him that there are people out there that do care, and there are people that aren’t going to hurt [him], but it’s the autism that holds him hostage here,” she said.

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This year, Isenor told his parents he didn’t want to have a birthday party out of fear of another public meltdown.

“He was sad he couldn’t have a birthday party because he wants a lot of people around, but at the same time he can’t handle a lot of people around,” Fine Day said.

When asked what he wanted to do for the big day, he said he just wanted to spend the day with his mom and dad. So instead of a party, Fine Day reached out on Facebook, asking her online friends to send her son a card.

“I figured if a lot of people reached out to him and sent him a birthday card, maybe that will help him with his anxiety and he’ll be more accepting of people,” she said.

Her Facebook post has gained support, with over a dozen shares and almost 50 likes.

“He had recently told us that he felt lonely and he feels empty. You wish you could take that away for your kids. I’m really hoping this puts a smile on his face,” she said.

Isenor is turning eight on Saturday, Nov. 12.

Katherine.svenkeson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ksvenkeson