A Feel Good Story in Honor of Autism Awareness Month

Here is this town that I live, 2 fun-loving fathers have opened a pretzel shop named "Noah's Pretzels". One of them has a 6 year old son (Noah) who is autistic.

It all started when his Mom and he were waiting for their pizza at a restaurant and Noah started to yell. She could tell that the other people in the restaurant were annoyed, but he was just excited that his pizza was coming. They just didn't understand ....

She hopes that when autistic children come to Noah's Pretzels (her husband and his partner's new business), people won't judge the children - or their parents - too harshly if they act a little differently.

The pretzel shop is just as dedicated to teaching customers about autism as it is to making scrumptous, soft, warm pretzels (some of which are gluten free). There are Autism Awareness banners hanging throughout the shop. These people are trying to teach tolerance about this neurological disorder that affects so many people. If the child wants or needs to yell, they don't have to worry about being judged in this shop. Their parenting skills are often questioned when the son "misbehaves" in the eyes of people ignorant of the disorder. One of the walls of the shop is starting to fill up with pictures of autistic children who have visited. This wall shows that it is almost impossible to tell the difference between a child with autism and a child without it.

The shop is open every day of the week, but pretzels are only served on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Parents can come anytime to talk and learn and share stories.

I haven't had a chance to stop in yet, but it is definitely on my to-do list. To check it out, go to Noah's Pretzels.

April is Autism Awareness Month - spread the word.