Do you find that most people are understanding of your son’s needs?
Chad – Most people are understanding, but most are not embracing, here is what I mean. With the exception of a few friends, we as a family don’t get invited over to many people’s homes for any type of gatherings. TYPICALLY, if we want any company we have to have them at our home. We find that a lot of people and not just kids don’t actively engage him, he doesn’t get invited to Birthday parties or sleepovers, which breaks our hearts… We are with Hunter 100% of the time unless he is in school. So, we feel that if you do not want to accept and embrace OUR entire family, then we don’t need you in our lives. (We also have a 6 year old son, his name is Hudson)
I then told Chad that have experienced both positive and negative attitudes towards my own son, and that I have been told that autism does not exist and is simply an excuse for naughty children.
Chad – My problem is I will be my son’s voice, and will not make excuses for him. Yes, he is Autistic, deal with it, or leave! Sorry, you have to deal with those type of people. Ignorant!
How did you get the idea of starting up your website Hunter’s Autism Specials?
Chad – The first idea came when my wife and I took our boys to an outing, and realized that we couldn’t enjoy the event as a family, so we would need to come back with the boys separately. I talked with the manager, explained the situation, and he was ok with us coming back without having to purchase tickets for all over again. Then we discussed, how many families spend the majority of their resources on treatments for their children, and the risk associated with going anywhere doing everyday activities is a risk, a financial risk, i.e. going to the water park, only to have a meltdown 5 minutes after you arrive. Everyone in the family will need to leave, not just the child with the meltdown.
How do businesses enroll in your scheme?
Chad – We are always networking, and talking with businesses about partnering with us. There is no cost to join, and every program is unique in design.
What response have you got from people who have used your website?
Chad – Everyone that we have spoken with love it, and tell us it’s a great idea. It’s not just special discounts, it’s also special concessions, i.e. Top Golf; they don’t take reservations for anyone, but if you contact them and tell them you are with Hunters Autism Specials, you can make a reservation an hour in advance allowing you to walk right in, and start enjoying the activity. Or, being able to bring your child’s dietary required foods with you to one of our restaurant partners. I explain to the owners of these restaurants: “Families will not eat in front of their child(ren), and if you don’t offer the foods their children eat, they won’t come. So, would you rather have, (as in our case) 3 people eating off the menu, and 1 that is not, or would you rather not have anyone from my family dine with you ever? (It has been a very successful selling strategy)