Dear Sir,
On Friday, I spoke to a public dental service for “special needs” on behalf of my son who doesn’t speak. During the call, I put forward a simple request to assist my son to become accustomed to the unfamiliar environment. I asked them to provide two photographs to show him prior to his visit. Their answer: “That’s not a service we offer.” When I tried to express how crucial this could be in aiding my son’s visit there, I was informed that such a request was unheard of, and if my child who is neurodiverse neither adapted nor coped with his visit, we could arrange another date for him.
We experience a similar lack of flexibility in every aspect of my disabled son’s life. This includes areas such as healthcare, education, public transport, community events, grocery shopping, summer activities and sports. The expectation is for my five-year-old son to adapt, whilst adults are unwilling to do the same.
I implore you to consider the opposition. Be that mature individual. Be open to change. Educate yourself. Be rational.
If my five-year-old has the capacity for adaptation, so do you.
Yours faithfully,
Lucinda Murrihy,
Dundrum,
Dublin 16.