Heartbroken dad speaks out as autistic son excluded from friends’ parties

"Have you any idea how hurtful that is?"

A mum in the UK has shared an angry post written by her husband after friends failed to invite their son to their children's birthday parties. Six-year-old Reilly Stephenson has autism and is non-verbal. His father Shane was furious that the little boy hadn't been invited to a single party. https://twitter.com/life_of_reillys/status/926874427140268033 "Right this has been brewing for some time so here it goes and you can like or f*cking well lump it," he wrote. "My son Reilly has autism not fucking leprosy; he is 6 years old and my so called friends who have kids also have kids parties. Not ONE invite not f*cking one. "Have you any idea how hurtful that is? Just for the record in future don't bother; he's not an afterthought, he's my every thought." Shane's wife Christine, who shared the post on Twitter, said that this has been an ongoing problem. https://twitter.com/life_of_reillys/status/924413388767354880 "Shane was incredibly upset at the thought of Reilly not being part of his circle of friends," she told HuffPost UK. "This incident was just the straw that broke the camels back. "Reilly is pretty much nonverbal and is an awesome little boy. "We struggle for support, we have no regular childcare and feel very isolated." The post provoked a strong reaction from other parents of children with autism.

No one really gets it unless your in it. But I’ve learnt to let go of those “friends”. It’s quite liberating. But doesn’t take away the pain

— Eliza Mishcon (@elizamishcon) November 4, 2017

They are not real friends, he is spot on. We have been through exactly the same. Stay strong ?

— Imperfect Mum (@imperfectmumx) November 5, 2017

Well done, every word rings true. We were told at nursery " the other children dont like him, please dont bring him back".

— alison dixon (@alisondixon4) November 6, 2017

My son also called Reilly (great name btw) has hf autism. He finds it hard ti make friends. Can't remember last time He was invited anywhere

— Tania➗ (@TarnsEMR) November 6, 2017

He asks me why he's different. Why life is so hard. He regularly mentions suicide and has done since he was 6 (He is 9 now) it's heartbreak

— Tania➗ (@TarnsEMR) November 6, 2017

Christine urged others in her situation to find their own pack and called on people outside the family to be more understanding. "Don’t assume we don’t want to go because it’s difficult, our lives are difficult, often fuelled on three hours sleep. "Ask if Reilly or any other autistic child would like to come even if it’s for half an hour but definitely ask. "They (parents) may decline but I can guarantee it will be declined with grateful thanks."