The Boy on the Boat: Was He Autistic? What was Wrong with Him?? Could We Have Done Something?
The day was perfect, sunny, warm (but not too hot), a perfect Florida day. My husband and I were enjoying a mini-vacation at Madeira Beach, Florida.
We planned to redeem a gift certificate for a two hour nature cruise out of St. John's Pass.
St. John's Pass is a picturesque tourist attraction, south of Clearwater Beach on the Gulf of Mexico.
It resembles a quaint fishing village with shops, restaurants, and a long boardwalk along the water's edge. It is just beautiful.
There is also a busy marina there where you can sign up for deep-sea fishing, dolphin watching and nature cruises.
After a nice seafood lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants we walked down to the marina. We found our cruise boat, redeemed our gift certificate, got on board and sat down ready for a relaxing afternoon out on the Gulf.
The boat was three-quarters filled and about to depart when two middle-aged woman and a young boy (about twelve) rushed on board.
I think the boat ride was a last minute decision for them as the two women wore dresses, stockings, and shoes, not the usual dress for an afternoon out on the water.
The boy, on the other hand was barefoot and shirtless wearing only swim shorts. He was about twelve years old, tall for his age and heavy set, weighing about 150 pounds.
The trio walked to the back of the boat and sat down, (the boy between the two women).
The boat left the marina and we sat back enjoying the beautiful scenery and listening to the tour guide pointing out fishing boats, sea birds, and an occasional dolphin.
For about an hour everything was perfect. Suddenly there was a disturbance in the back of the boat.
The boy was trying to get up from his seat. He was hitting and punching the two women on either side of him, who were trying to hold him down.
He finally broke away and ran up to the front of the boat to the refreshment counter. He grabbed snacks, straws, and napkins and threw them overboard.
The two-man crew yelled at him to sit down and the two women pulled him back to their seats.
The boy remained silent, rocking back and forth.
The rest of us passengers sat in stunned silence. No one moved.
Just when we started to relax the boy began to struggle with the women again, punching and hitting as they tried to keep him seated. He got away and bolted to the front of the boat.
The woman struggled to grab him but he was bare-chested, sweaty, slippery, and hard to hold.
Again no one intervened. No one knew what to do.
No one wanted to hurt the boy or cause him to fall overboard.
The captain yelled at them and turned the boat around heading back to the shore. The women seemed not to speak English and the boy said nothing.
The woman finally got the boy seated and they remained there until the boat reached the marina. One of the women sobbed quietly.
When the boat docked, the captain yelled to the trio "Get off and never come back" He was furious.
The two women left the boat hand-in-hand with the boy in the middle, and headed toward the parking lot.
Some passengers were very angry. Some were frightened.
Some said the boy was "autistic" and that's how "autistic" children act.
Some said the women were crazy to put the boy in such a dangerous situation.
My husband and I felt powerless and upset. We love kids and this was heart-breaking. We had never seen anything like this.
Families who have children with mental problems have a huge burden. Their life must be terrible.
I wish we could have done something.
I remember that boy. I'll never forget him.
Published by Memmay Moore
I am a transfer to Tampa from Boston where I had many years experience in health and nutrition education. I am now enjoying a new career in writing and photography. View profile
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34 Comments
Post a CommentWow - that story just tugged my heartstrings! As an autistic myself, I couldn't believe how furious and uncaring that captain was to that violent boy. Many autistic children can't deal with transitions very well unless they are prepared ahead of time. Maybe this could have been prevented if they used a visual schedule and a social story so he'll know what to expect. I'm so sorry to hear about your trip!
It is sad. Unfortunately, public safety must be considered. It will be wonderful when "no resident will say, I am sick." Isaiah 33:24.
i have a son who has autism...lots of funny stories to share...some that aren't so funny....too many people wig him out, like in line to check out at the grocery store...or any place lots of people are...if anyone tried to 'deal' with him, like a stranger on a boat, or in line at the store for that matter, he would only melt down louder and more furiously...we took a sailing trip on the gulf...but it was a private one. it's hard to tell what will set him off, but when he's off,,,he's definitely off! but contrary to a certain talk show host name of savage, kids with autism are not just 'brats' .... and we who dedicate our lives to raising one of these very special people do all we can to help them have nice experiences and to be able to respond to the world around them in more appropriate ways...loved reading the view from the outside that your piece availed me of....really a thoughtful write
You delivered this excellently! A sad and dangerous situation. There are so many conflicting emotions and responsibilities when being confronted with this scenario. First the crew must ensure the safety of the passengers..this could have involved stopping the threat, which could have resulted in tragic consequences. Many Police officers find themselves in that role every day. It doesn't negate the compassion one feels for the afflicted...it must be horrifying to feel such panic. From the scenario you described, I can only wonder about the logic of the two women boarding. Why put their young charge(themselves & everyone else) in such a dangerous situation? Obviously they were ill prepared for this outing.
Gosh...I know this was really scary for everyone..so sad for this child..he must have been very frightened !!!
Oh, how sad. You did a great job on this story.
Very interesting read. Thanks for sharing this story.
Very touching.
Oh, wow, how sad!
I have a 19 year old son who is autistic. It can be very hard at times, especialy with him because he is non verbal, so it makes it hard to understand him at times. He's never been violent, fortunatly. Our biggest problems are is health issues, because of them, and not having a car, we go absolutely no place at all unless we walk, and he cannot walk well, so we pretty much stay at home, other than going to the store for groceries, and he enjoys that a lot. My biggest frustration with my son, is that he is unable to communicate to me, what hurts inside of him, and the doctors are unable to find anything wrong! That is my burden!
This story was just so sad! There are many autistic children, and adults who are "wild" for lack of a better word. I am thankful that my son is not that way. He has his moments, but nothing like you described. That would be hard to watch.
Great job on this!