16/09/2026
It’s a heartbreaking scenario to see, but I have to keep myself calm 🥹
We came to the org activity earlier today with Chloe in a good mood, so I took it as an opportunity to let her sit beside other children and experience a little socialization. The children there have different disabilities, not just autism.
As parents and caregivers, we were quietly standing in our designated area, waiting for the program to start.
Then it happened. Chloe was suddenly slapped hard across the face 😭
Yes, it was hard. The sound was loud, and because the other child is already bigger, whole hand almost covered Chloe’s face.
I immediately went to Chloe. She was crying so hard, and I want to cry too but I have to keep my calm as I was in shock while checking her face and eyes. Her eyes were reddish, and at that moment, I honestly couldn't tell if it was because of the impact, the crying, or both.
Ang sakit bilang magulang na makita ang anak mong nasaktan. Especially when you know she can't tell you exactly what she's feeling.
After that, ayaw na ni Chloe bumalik doon. So we decided to sit in one corner na lang so we could still finish the program. I gave her some screen time for a while to help her calm down and feel comfortable again.
And while she was quietly sitting beside me, I was still worried and observing her. Until now, I keep thinking, Sana walang ibang naging epekto sa kanya yung pagkakasampal. Sana okay lang talaga siya. Sana walang injury or anything that we can't immediately see.
I don't want to disclose the other child's disability because I don't want this post to create stigma. This is not about blaming a diagnosis or labeling a child.
I also don't want to blame the child. Children with special needs can have different ways of expressing frustration, discomfort, overstimulation, excitement, or emotions. Sometimes, behaviors can happen suddenly and unexpectedly.
But this experience reminded me of something important:
Awareness and supervision are still necessary, even in a space where everyone understands what it's like to have a child with a disability.
I also realized that I had my own lapse in judgment.
Chloe was calm. She wasn't having any issues with the other children before, so I became too comfortable and trusted that the situation would remain peaceful.
I didn't think that another child might suddenly become triggered or overwhelmed.
I also didn't see the caregiver of the other child approach us after what happened. Maybe it was unexpected for them too. I don't know what happened on their side, and I don't want to assume. And yes, I forgive even without an apology. 🤍
But I still want to share this, not to shame anyone, but because maybe another parent needs this reminder.
If we know that our child sometimes has a tendency to hit, push, bite, grab, or hurt others when overwhelmed or triggered, please stay close and be extra watchful, especially during activities involving many children.
Not because our children are “bad.”
Not because they should be excluded.
But because we want them to participate safely while also keeping the other children safe.
And if something does happen, let's also try to check on the child who was hurt and approach the other parent or caregiver when possible.
To the parents of children with disabilities:
We don't have to choose between inclusion and safety. We can advocate for both.
And to myself as a mom, this was also a lesson.
I will continue giving Chloe opportunities to socialize, participate, and experience the world.
But next time, I'll be a little more observant. A little more cautious. And a little less trusting of a calm moment.
Because sometimes, even when we're surrounded by people who understand special needs, we still have to look out for one another. 🤍
No blame. No stigma. Just awareness and lesson learned the hard way on my part 🥹
