I recently experienced something incredibly distressing while shopping at a Walmart in Kansas with my two sons, both of whom are severely autistic. As we checked out, a store employee shockingly suggested that my children were possessed by demonic entities that was generationally passed down and needed to be healed through prayer. This deeply hurtful comment highlights a critical lack of understanding and acceptance regarding autism and demonstrates a disturbing mindset.

As the mother of two autistic children, I've faced numerous challenges, but I never expected to encounter such ignorance and insensitivity in my community. My children deserve to be seen as the wonderful individuals they are, not labeled with such hurtful misconceptions. This incident reveals a wider need for education on autism, emphasizing the importance of awareness and acceptance in our retail environments.

Retailers in Kansas are in a unique position to set the tone for understanding and inclusivity. By implementing autism awareness training for their staff, retailers can ensure that all families feel respected and accepted when visiting their stores. Customers should not have to fear judgment or discrimination based on misconceptions about neurological differences. 

I urge Walmart and all retailers in Kansas to take definitive action by providing mandatory autism awareness training for their employees. This training would educate staff on the realities of autism and promote empathy, helping to create a welcoming environment for all families. Let's work together to build a community that embraces diversity and upholds the dignity of all individuals.

Join me in calling for this necessary change. Sign this petition to demand that Kansas retailers implement autism awareness education and create a more inclusive and understanding shopping experience for everyone.