Divorce Anxiety (Kathleen and Samuel)

Kathleen turned and looked at the guy walking toward her and asked, “You are Federick Evans?”

Federick smiled and said, “Yes, it’s me. It’s been a long time, Kathleen.”

Federick was Kathleen’s neighbor.

After her parents passed away and she moved into the Macari residence, she seldom met Federick.

Kathleen was surprised. “Federick, what are you doing here?”

Federick’s face looked sorrowful. He said, “My daughter is here.”

His daughter?

Kathleen was taken aback. “Federick, is your daughter…”

“Mid-level autism,” Federick said calmly, “I bring her here every week. What about you?”

Kathleen replied, “I’m here as a favor for Gemma, to do charity work.”

Federick got it and said, “Oh, so you are a friend of Gem.”

Kathleen reminded him that they should get going as she said, “Let’s go in.”

Federick made a sound of approval and nodded.

They went into the classroom which had a few autistic children in it.

They were all brought there by either their father or mother.

Kathleen learned that the biggest concern for most families with autistic children was that one of the parents could not stand the stress and chose to divorce or leave the family behind.

For instance, Federick’s wife was one of them.

When Madeline Evans was diagnosed with autism, her mother chose to divorce after she persisted for six months.

Madeline was five years old, and she was a cute little girl.

Nonetheless, because of autism, she did not react to the world around her and did not interact with people.

She sat in a corner quietly, holding a barbie doll in her hands.

Actually, most autistic children were quiet, as long as they were not provoked.

As they were quiet, they did not take the initiative to tell others what they wanted or when they were not feeling comfortable.

The parents brought their children there because the doctors were professional and would be able to help them.

“Madeline, do you want some water?” Federick got down next to Madeline and asked.

Madeline did not give any reaction to her father.

“Madeline, the doctor is going to come and examine you later. Let’s not yell at the doctor like last time, all right?” Federick asked.

did not show any

let out a

down next to

sighed and said, “It’s no use, she does

expectation, Madeline raised her hand and

Federick was amazed.

the

then lowered her head

back to her

how children with autism

finally gave a

Federick was dumbfounded.

was overjoyed. “Pinky

her pinky finger

also held her hand

will let the doctor examine you and I will

with a light

filled with tears

“Kathleen, she rarely reacts to things or people from the outside world. Besides me, this is

That’s wonderful.

shows that the treatment here is

did not think that

see him cry. “You are right. I’m content with her getting better

a tissue

took it and wiped off his tears. “I’m sorry to show you this

said in a gentle tone, “As long as the kid stays safe and healthy,

have her own

matters. I just want my Madeline to

doctor came in

one, the doctor examined

was Madeline’s turn, the doctor asked, “Madeline, do you

She remained silent.

examine you,”

could see that the doctor was

last time during the examination which left an impression on

doctor knew it was normal for autistic patients,

very still this time that even

you are

a

“Yes, she even responded to Kathleen when

and said, “You are

am here on behalf of Gemma,”

that she had a friendly smile. “We need

Kathleen was stunned.

the charity

said, “Okay,

The doctor nodded.

a kid sitting not far from Madeline started