Disney characters befriend boy with autism who likes to wear dresses
This article, Disney characters befriend boy with autism who likes to wear dresses, originally appeared on CBSNews.com
Four-year-old Evan McLeod has autism — and the sunny disposition of a Disney character. Evan's mom, Eeka Rocha McLeod, knows how much So the Orange, California, mother takes him to Disneyland every single week.
Evan was adopted out of foster care and has experienced many complications. His birth mother was addicted to drugs and he was born prematurely, McLeod told CBS News. In addition to autism, Evan was diagnosed with microcephaly "and global developmental delays," McLeod said.
"His muscles are weak, he's only begun talking recently and still struggles with speech, and his social interactions are always a little unique," his mom said.
Because the family goes so often – and Evan's mohawk is hard to miss — many of the actors that work at Disneyland recognize him. "Not all of them know him, but quite a few do," McLeod said. "The cast members know him as well. And don't judge me, but the restaurants and churro cart vendors definitely know."
The mom shares photos and videos of her kids' interactions with the Disney employees on Instagram. Evan has befriended several "princesses" who will hold his hand and walk him around. He's often seen twirling and dancing with characters, too.
Evan also He first asked to wear a dress in June, when his family was getting ready for their weekly Disneyland trip. "I thought at first he was confused, so I kept showing him the knight outfit and he was adamant that he wanted Snow White," McLeod said.
McLeod let her son dress up like a Disney princess, and he's worn dresses and tutus to the park ever since.
"It didn't take long for me to realize that Evan's way of thinking and behaving wasn't so different from most children," McLeod wrote in an Instagram caption, showing Evan in a princess costume. "The only real difference is he tosses a whole lotta FABULOUS into everything he does."
The mom admitted on Instagram that she has caught some flack for letting her son wear dresses. However, she's continued to share photos of Evan on social media, hoping to show others every child and their differences should be accepted.
"Whether it's a major diagnosis, an obsession with unique fashion... mistakes, setbacks, milestones, all of it! As a parent, I choose to encourage confidence and kindness because that's what ultimately makes the difference in the lives and hearts of kiddos like mine," McLeod wrote in one Instagram post.
Fortunately for Evan, the characters at Disneyland don't judge him or shun him for wearing a dress, McLeod said.
"Every single character and cast member interaction has played a pivotal role in his development," she said. That's why McLeod takes her three kids, all of whom have special needs, to the magical amusement park every week.
Evan even got his makeup done at the park's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. "If nothing else, I hope Evan's courage and joy encourage you to go out and own your most glamorous self," McLeod wrote on Instagram, sharing a video of her son's makeup session.
The mom said she likes to call Evan "magically gifted" — which helps him fit right in with the Disney characters, who are always there to help celebrate magical moments with him.
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