The story of Maddie reminded me of my own experience growing up as a neurodivergent child. May is a classmate of my son, who had a unique personality, and she had a special interest in wolves. I felt like I could relate to her, as someone who had trouble fitting in with my classmates and now is an adult. Even though I wanted to get to know her better, I hesitated, knowing that I couldn’t go beyond my assignments.
Ultimately, I was hesitant to approach her because I did not want to appear predatory. I knew the struggles that may come as she moved on to her teen years. As a fellow neurodivergent, I knew what it was like to feel out of place at her age, and I couldn’t help but wonder how I would have fared if I grew up in a time when my condition was not well understood.
As an adult, I can in some way understand what it must be like to be young and different. I think that the adults in Maddie’s life should have a thorough understanding of her condition. It’s a tall order, but it’s essential to be aware of how vulnerable kids can be and how crucial it is to protect them. But again, understanding the nuances of this predicament is tricky. Without the proper understanding of what these children go through, it’s easy to miss the signs of potential danger lurking around.
As someone who knows how it is to grow up feeling misunderstood, undermined, or ostracized, it’s comforting to know that there are measures in place that seek to understand situations like mine or Maddie’s a bit better. But all the same, too many still fall through the cracks. As someone who has lived through the consequences, I know it can be a long road to recovery.
I realized I couldn’t take the chance of being misunderstood, I didn’t reach out for help or guidance even when I needed it. I was anticipating the worst intents from everyone around me, which held me back. It has been a long and ongoing journey, and I wouldn’t wish anyone to go through what I have. It’s also important to know that not everyone who prey on children is a stranger lurking in the dark; they might be within our social circle, too. It’s not just about being vigilant against potential predators but being able to navigate through these complex systems. This story of Maddie is not just hers but many others who go through similar experiences.
