Arlon and Liliana - Love in The Midst of Family Feud

Denial on Arlon's Autism

Arlon's parents were unyielding in their denial of his autism diagnosis. They refused to accept that their son was on the autism spectrum, clinging to the belief that they could force him into normalcy. This decision only served to build higher walls between Arlon and his parents, causing him to become increasingly hostile towards them. Arlon's parents' denial of his autism diagnosis prevented him from receiving the support and understanding he needed. As a result, Arlon felt misunderstood and isolated, intensifying his frustration and deepening the divide between him and his parents. Despite their constant assertions, Arlon had wholeheartedly embraced his autism, unapologetically unashamed of who he was.

One evening, as Arlon sat at the dinner table with his parents and younger brother, the tension in the room was palpable. His parents were engaged in a heated discussion about his diagnosis. Arlon could sense their frustration and confusion, as they struggled to comprehend his perspective. He wished they could understand that his autism was not a burden or something to be fixed, but rather an integral part of his identity. Arlon longed for a moment of connection and acceptance, where his parents would truly see him for who he was and support him in navigating the world as an autistic individual. He desperately wished for them to see beyond the label of autism and understand that it was an integral part of his identity.

His father asserted, "Arlon, there's nothing wrong with you. This autism nonsense is just a label they put on kids to excuse their strange behaviour."

Arlon's mother chimed in, "Yes, dear. We should be teaching him to fit in, not coddling him with this autism talk."

Arlon, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, finally spoke up, "But Mom, Dad, I've learned so much about myself since the diagnosis. It helps me understand why I do certain things and why I sometimes need extra support."

Arlon's father's face turned red with frustration. "Arlon, don't be so gullible. They're just trying to make money off this autism nonsense. You don't need any special treatment. You're perfectly fine."

Arlon's younger brother, who often teased him, joined in with a mocking tone, "Yeah, Arlon, you're just making excuses for being weird."

Arlon felt a surge of anger and hurt, but he had learned to control his emotions over the years. He replied calmly, "I'm not making excuses, and I'm not weird. Autism is a part of who I am, and I'm proud of it. Liliana accepts me for who I am, and she's been an amazing friend to me."

Arlon's mother, with a sigh, attempted to reason, "Arlon, we just want what's best for you. We don't want you to struggle in life because of this label."

Arlon, determined to make them understand, said, "But understanding my autism has made me better at communicating, and it's helped me excel in areas I'm passionate about, like art and music."

Arlon's father reluctantly conceded, "Fine, Arlon. If you're so sure about this autism thing, then we won't stop you from believing in it. But don't expect us to treat you any differently."

Arlon nodded, though he knew that his parents' denial would continue to affect their relationship. He felt a pang of sadness, realising that they might never fully embrace his true self. Despite his parents' reluctance to fully accept and understand his autism, Arlon remained determined to stay true to himself. He knew that his unique perspective on the world and his passion for art and music were not hindrances but rather strengths. While he longed for his parents' full support and understanding, he also recognised that his journey of self-acceptance and self-expression was one he had to navigate on his own. Arlon hoped that someday his parents would come to see the beauty and power in embracing his true self, but until then, he would continue to find solace and fulfilment in his art and music.