Title: Mother and Son’s Park Outing Turns into Terrifying Ordeal
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a routine trip to the park for Marie Myung-Ok Lee and her young adult son Jason took a terrifying turn on Riverside Drive. Jason, who has nonspeaking autism, exhibited signs of sensory dysregulation, leading to a traumatic meltdown in the park.
As they crossed Riverside Drive, a place known for its bustling traffic and narrow median, Marie and Jason faced the challenges of navigating the sensory overload of the city. Despite their successful crossing, the real ordeal began once they entered Riverside Park.
Jason’s fear of dogs, a common trigger for many individuals with autism, resurfaced during their outing. The presence of unleashed dogs in the park triggered a meltdown in Jason, causing him to exhibit extreme distress and self-injurious behavior.
As Marie tried to calm her son and protect him from the surrounding chaos, onlookers began to gather, unsure of how to help in the situation. The fear of law enforcement intervention loomed over Marie, knowing the potential dangers that could arise from a misunderstanding of Jason’s behavior.
Ultimately, with the support of her husband Karl, Marie was able to safely navigate the situation and help Jason regain his composure. The incident shed light on the importance of understanding and accommodating individuals with autism in public spaces, especially when it comes to sensory triggers like unleashed dogs.
As a result of the traumatic experience, Marie made the difficult decision to end their runs in the park and instead purchased a rebounder for Jason to use at home. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by families dealing with autism and the need for greater awareness and support in the community.
Marie Myung-Ok Lee’s story highlights the struggles and triumphs of parenting a child with autism in a bustling city like New York, where even a simple trip to the park can turn into a harrowing ordeal.
