"Is he normal?"

La Patrona and I are interested in getting Boy1 and Boy2 into some sort of music program. Boy2's autism treatment group says he is very tonal and would probably benefit from musical training. Some autistic kids are even savants in the musical field.

I think Boy2's most likely talent area consists of eating all the food in the refrigerator and harassing his sisters.

Be that as it may, La Patrona contacted the local Suzuki Strings provider about Boy2. The woman's first comment upon hearing that Boy2 is autistic was that "I don't have any experience teaching retarded children." La Patrona attempted to educate the lady about autism with a short description of his problems, but the woman replied with the question, "Is he normal?" Well of course he's not normal. If he was normal I wouldn't be telling you about it, now would I? Anyway, after about five minutes of attempting to convince this woman that just because he was autistic did not mean he was unable to learn, La Patrona gave up and told her, "I don't think I want you to teach our sons, after all."

Some people are just dense. I'd bet you a dollar that either of my boys would come out on top in an IQ contest with this "teacher".