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Family told to "euthanize" autistic child by "pissed off" neighbour

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Culture & Entertainment

Family told to "euthanize" autistic child by "pissed off" neighbour

Maxwell Begley is 13-years-old, he has light blonde hair and loves to watch Grease. He's also autistic. He often spends his days at his grandmother's home in Newcastle, Ontario. But one of his grandma's neighbours has taken offense to Maxwell sitting outside, making "dreadful" noises that scare her "normal children." The "pissed off mother" sent an anonymous note to the grandma's house, suggesting Maxwell's family "euthanize" him and donate his "non retarded body parts" to science. Editor’s note: We wish we could make all of this up, but you can read the note for yourself or check out a scan of the letter, pictured below. [caption id="attachment_15967" align="aligncenter" width="478"] The anonymous letter sent to Maxwell's family.[/caption] It's hard to fathom that any person could have such hateful thoughts towards an innocent child, or towards anyone, for that matter. But even more, it's impossible to understand how in today's age there is such a lack of understanding and compassion towards children with special needs. The author of the letter goes on to say that no one will ever marry Maxwell and no employer will ever hire him. He's simply "a hindrance to everyone." But the point of life isn't just to work and get married, especially for parents. For moms and dads it's about the first smile, the first word and the first step. It's about the nightly "I love you." And of course all the hugs and kisses. I have a cousin with special needs and she is so full of love. She's literally bursting at the seams with it. She may never get married, she may never have a job, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have value in society. It saddens me that there are people who don't see the joy ALL children bring to the world. How would you react to a letter like this being sent to you or someone you know?  

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Family told to "euthanize" autistic child by "pissed off" neighbour

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