Well I thought I was in a blogging funk and then a fellow autism mom told me the story of her daughter being excluded from Girl Scouts and lit a fire under my writing butt. I then told the story to Ashlyn because it helps her to hear that these things happen to other kids too. If I thought my fire was lit, well then I might as well have handed Ashlyn a blow torch. She was FURIOUS and said “Mom, I’m ready to writing on your blog again, start typing.” So I did, I may have made it to her third sentence before tears…
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My mom told me about a girl with autism that got excluded from Girls Scouts in her school. This makes me really mad. It is more of a loss for the Girls Scouts than it is for the family because they miss out on a lot and it is wrong.
I don’t know the Girl Scout leader but if I could talk to her I would tell her that she is missing out on all these things:
1. Joy
2. Laughter
3. Awareness
4. A good friend for the girls
5. Someone who will never be a bully
6. Seeing her light up when she gets new opportunities
7. Treating people the way that she wants to be treated
8. Teaching the other girls how to be kind
I would tell the mom of the girl who was excluded to keep trying until she can get her girl into something that makes her happy. I know how it feels to be excluded from something that I love. I wish it didn’t happen to other people. I would tell the girl with autism that it is going to be okay. This is just another obstacle that you have to overcome. It doesn’t matter what is on the outside it matters what is on the inside. There are people like me who will like you no matter what and I think you will find them.
Ashlyn
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Way to go Ashlyn! Such a way with words. I hope this was shared with the Girl Scout organization at all levels-national, state and local. As a former Girl Scout & Girl Scout leader I find this completely unacceptable. Keep writing Ashlyn!
Ashlyn, you are the voice for this girl and family who was probably too socked to say anything. You presented very succinctly the argument FOR inviting someone with special needs into a program (which, by the way, shouldn’t even be an issue). I think you have a future in advocating for people!!
I love how she articulated these things. She is so wise!!
Beautiful words from a beautiful girl.
Thank you, I was happily surprised at what great things she had to say.
Bravo Ashlyn!
An inspiration and example to all!
Cousin Sam
I read her your comment and she was so happy to stopped by and read. Hope you guys are well! xo Jessica
You tell em, Ashlyn.
I’m glad that she did :).
Enjoyed every bit of the blog post.Truly looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
The world deserves and needs more people like you, Ashlyn. It does.
Ashlynn,
You are amazing.
Thanks for everything you teach me here.
Ashlyn you are awesome – thank you for your very wise words. I am so disappointed in the Girl Scouts! I have to confess I have been down on them ever since my 6 yr. old got wait listed for a Daisy troop. I thought wait listing a 6 year old was ridiculous but excluding someone with autism is unconscionable. Hoping for a more compassionate world. xo
I have tears running down my face. She is such an amazing girl!
Ashlyn – you show so much wisdom. I am a Guider in Girl Guides of Canada. Girl Guides now has a very strong Diversity and Inclusion policy. The Units I have led have been in small villages, where people know and (usually) accept each other. One of my many good memories in Guiding is what I have learned from the beautiful, both inside and outside, 14 year old who I first met when she was 5 years old and joining the youngest Canadian level, Sparks. I don’t really know nor care about any diagnosis. She was and is still loving, curious and co-operative. Sometimes she has a short attention span, but never seems to talk back or get angry with anyone. She was with me through three years of Sparks and two of Brownies. Last year I was delighted that she received her “Lady BP Award ” when she completed the Girl Guide program at the same ceremony in a nearby city at which I received a Leadership Award. She is now in Pathfinders, for 14 to 16 year olds, and is doing very well. It ls a small group and the girls all know her and respect her abilities, and her sense of humour and kindness. I hope the girl you have mentioned is able to find a Girl Scout or other program that welcomes her and respects the many gifts she will be able to share with them.From the comments about your entry it seems you are a member of a large and supportive family and community. That has been one of the strengths that has let my young friend become the teenager she is now , and the young woman she is becoming.
What a beautiful response. Your kindness and generosity of spirit is an inspiration.
Ashlyn you are an amazing beautiful girl inside and outand you really have such a good, kind, sweet and gentle heart. You are an asset to the world just like your mom and Nana. We have to educate the rest of the world I am afraid.To bad their are not more people like you to help straighten out the people who cannot understand we all have a voice in this world. Hugs to you sweet girl!
Ashlyn, you are light years from my age and my sweets, you have more in your soul than a lot of adults I know.
You have so much to teach the world and you need to keep being that strong voice for those who can’t stand up for themselves. You’re a strong advocate. I know that your mom is so proud of you because I am 🙂
Clearly this needs to be reported. The Girl Scout leaders in my town would burn down buildings if they heard one of their own was treating anyone like this.
Also: I cannot say how much I adore Ashlyn each time I hear her voice. She is such a wonderful young woman.
Well said Ashlyn! I hope she finds a troop and knows that she has wonderful people like you in her corner.
Poor them, they are missing out on so many things. I hope she’ll find a troop that will accept her.
Ashlyn,
Your spirit is a light in a world that sometimes seems dark.
What a gift your words are and what a reminder that there is a place for everyone and that kindness is something that needs to be exercised, like a muscle.
Who would kick someone out of Girl Scouts? What’s wrong with people? Great post, Ashlyn! I hope the girl who got kicked out gets a chance to read this and knows how much she is loved!
Ashlyn, you are a wonderful girl with a beautiful spirit. Definitely wise beyond your years. You are right. It is the troop’s loss. I hope you continue to write here because what you have to say is very inspirational. I know your family is so proud of you!
Thank you. Ashlyn, this is beautiful and you are an awesome girl!
I definitely agree with Ashlynn. Shame on that Girls Scouts leader. No one should be excluded.
Ashlyn,
You are strong and brave and wise beyond your years. I hope my daughters grow up to be half the woman you are.
Also? I hope you’ll post more on your mom’s blog soon. I love reading your thoughts.
Love,
Erin
There is a time and a place for righteous anger. This is one of those times. I hope she gets a formal apology from the Girl Scouts and finds a troop that will welcome her with open arms.
Couldn’t agree more. Your loss, Girl Scouts.
This story just breaks my heart. Ashlynn you have a beautiful way with words. Thank you for standing up for a girl who you don’t even know in such a heartfelt way. You give me hope for my son.
First, report this to the local and main council.
Second, she’s welcome in my troop, which, BTW, is the awesomest troop ever.