A Sad Day for my little guy

My younger son, 11, is a high functioning autistic child who is very aware of the world around him. Typical spectrum highlights include very little social filters and an acute need for control of situations. Play dates are a nightmare if parents and other youngsters are not clued into these problems. Today, a friend of my older son called and asked him to come over. My quandary was that I knew the youngest would want to go but I also knew that the mother of the friend would not agree to be responsible for the younger one's behavior should it get out of hand - and why should she be responsible. The little guy was very distressed that his brother was leaving him to go and play with a friend and that he had to stay home. He cried in his sorrow and said that it was not fair that he could not go because he is autistic. I had to agree. it was no fair so we made a compromise and headed out to Starbucks in the snow to get some nice warm treats. Lessons are hard to learn but warm apple spice cider is a good alternative!