June 24, 2023
Our Autistic Son’s Audition Experience
A while back, a local modeling agency reached out to our family.
They were looking for autistic children to take part in an ad for a cell phone company.
They invited Cooper to audition.
First, I will tell you we were honored. I mean, seriously, how cool. Representation for one. And knowing how cute and cool our kid was for two.
But, I was also very hesitant. Cooper is a autistic and nonverbal. He can get overwhelmed. He struggles to sit and wait. He can be a runner. Not everyone understands autism. Not everyone is kind. All reasons that pointed me to declining.
I told the agency all about him. His strengths and struggles. I told them about autism. His kind. And explained that it’s different than The Good Doctor and what you see on television. Cooper would need a lot of support to be successful.
They said…’no problem. Come on in.’
So, we went. Dad, Cooper, and me. We packed his speech device, snacks and juice, and a bag full of treasures.
During the audition, Cooper sat. He moved. He danced. He listened to music. He touched.
He did amazing. Honestly. I was so proud of him.
I could tell they were confused though.
They were surprised he couldn’t talk. They asked if his hands always moved like that. They asked if he could stop moving.
We ended early. Cooper waved and signed thank you as we left. He had a great time.
Me. Dad. Well, we felt strange. Like something icky had just happened.
The audition email said…
We are looking for a male, age 8-12, with the condition of autism spectrum disorder, to take part in an advertisement with ‘such and such’ cell phone company.
What they didn’t say when we left was that he was too autistic. Or at least that’s what it felt like.
Who knows why he didn’t get the part. We will never know. And it was probably a blessing in disguise. But they had a chance to share and to show. And they passed.
Seeing autism through the world’s eyes. It’s happening more and more these days. It takes my breath away sometimes. Like a gut punch. The shock. The disappointment. The distaste.
His autism is all we know. And I wish the world could know too. The beautiful parts. The joy. The possibility. The boy.
Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook.
