This is based on a true story. I was out at the beach and this little girl was wailing and crying. I didn't think much of it, but the little girl's grandfather felt the need to explain himself to me. I said it was chill, I'm also neurodivergent. We all float down here. So I think that helped.
But yeah, the old guy seemed encouraged by the idea that maybe his granddaughter can come to the surf one day. Everyone thinks autism means you're damaged or you're impossible to take anywhere and that's just not true. Sometimes autism or neurodivergence can mean you can focus on really cool shit, like surfboards. Which surfboards are the best surfboards to ride. Which conditions match which surfboard for that day. Or whatever I'm in the mood in. Honestly, I could write 5,000 words on just surfboards. I'm a big fan of anything with a needlenose-- anyway you get it. What if my weird brain works great for surfboards?
When I was a kid, I had an absolute meltdown before Kindergarten graduation because I wanted to stop off for White Castle. I don't know why I did, but I did. That meltdown felt a bit similar to the little girl by the shore.
Also, it was totally justified. White Castle rules.