My son Jon with his prom date Maddie. He is a junior and he has autism. About a month ago, Maddie, a senior, came to my office (I’m a teacher at their school) and asked if Jon’s mom and I would allow her to take him to prom. Maddie had gotten to know Jon through a school club that promotes friendships between special needs kids and regular kids.

‘He’s a junior,’ she explained ‘so it’s his prom too. I just think he should have the chance to go.’ I told her we would be honored to have him go with her.

During the next couple weeks, she asked what his favorite color was (orange) so she could get a dress in that color. She also made reservations for their group (they doubled with another couple) at a restaurant that served his favorite food – chicken fingers and French fries.

I encourage everyone to like and share this for three reasons:

1. To show support for special kids like Jon

2. To show support for groups that promote these friendships

3. To remind us all, in a time when we hear about all the terrible things going on, that there are wonderful kids like Maddie working to make other’s lives better.”