I first met Glenn* years ago. I was working in a school for children with disabilities and Glenn was one of the children in the small class I was assigned to. I was told Glenn was severely autistic. That was his diagnosis. But I soon learned six-year-old Glenn was a little boy of boundless curiosity, completely fearless and adorably sweet.

The much heralded symptom of Autism, the inability to hold eye contact, was disproven in this child. He sought it out. He held your eyes with intensity and purpose, particularly when he was on the verge of doing something naughty.

His mother told me that Glenn was born without any indication of disability. Until the age of around eighteen months, he developed normally and was a delight to those around him. Then he received an immunisation. The change was immediate. Glenn lost his ability to speak and developed the signs of severe autism. Their family doctor declared this to be a vaccine injury and advised the family to avoid any further immunisations.

Glenn suffered almost daily seizures which caused his muscles to contract so that he appeared extremely muscular. He was indeed very strong and was apt to climb as high as he could if he wasn’t watched carefully.

Glenn showed me that despite being unable to speak, it is still possible to clearly communicate and develop relationships. He was mostly indifferent to his classmates but exhibited kindness to anyone working with him.

Everyday when his mother came to pick him up, Glenn would run his hands through her hair and laugh. His hands would often become entangled in her hair and she would gently pry his fists open to release it while speaking to him softly. She knew this was his favourite game and a way he showed affection. She was a prime example of unconditional love.

It has been many years since I last saw him, but the lessons I learned observing and caring for Glenn and many other children like him have profoundly affected the way I see the world. If only more people realised the treasure hidden in the unexpected gifts of disabled children.

*name changed for privacy