Lim: For Fin

Lim: For Fin

THE perfect getaway a mother had envisioned for her son was marred by the repeated requests of resort staff to have him stop squealing with delight every time he hit the water.

Fin has autism. Squealing is his way of expressing joy.

The mother ends her review by saying she would not consider returning to this resort as she seeks an environment friendlier to kids and families with special needs.

The resident shareholder of the resort responds to this mother’s review of a ruined weekend with an opening statement that screamed he knew better than her how autistic children behaved. He even challenged her to “google” it.

When you live with a child with special needs, you don’t need Google. You’re better than Google.

He then proceeds, without basis, to accuse the mother of lying about her child’s autism. And then suggests that she might have also been given the wrong diagnosis. He continues on with allegations that Fin’s squeals might actually be caused by a lack of discipline or parental neglect.

The resort’s response reeks of arrogance and condescension — offensive not only to families with special needs but to every decent human being.

This mother needed an apology not a lecture on parenting. She didn’t deserve a character assassination either. She wrote an authentic review that served as a caveat to families with special needs.

Resort management should thank her, not admonish her. After all, the resort has now made it clear that guests who squeal in delight, speak loudly, use their phones in dining areas, are not welcome at their resort.

They should thank this guest for spreading the word that monastic silence is preferred at this resort. That knowing how to sign might also be useful. And that at all times, guests should be vigilant of their decibels or risk being thrown out by the noise patrol.

It seems a bit of a stretch to claim that as lifeguards need to be able to hear cries of distress throughout almost three hectares of lagoons and pools, a strict noise policy is necessary to save lives.

Why not increase the number of lifeguards on duty rather than fastidiously regulate your guests’ joy? This is a resort, after all, not a monastery.

“We are not like other Filipinos.” I actually find this statement extremely offensive. Why the need to click for a “frank discussion?” Put that out there bravely for the entire country to see.

I feel for you, Fin. You see, I squeal too when I’m happy. You’re not wrong. They are. You cherish that joy. You express it. And don’t let anyone take that away from you.

I call on our local resorts to roll out the red carpet for Fin. Because Fin needs to know that to know joy is a gift but to be able to express it — is what life is really all about.

You go, Fin.

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