Dad celebrates teen who took his autistic son to prom
ArchiveFirst published February 22, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
Mike Larson, a teacher and father, shared a touching Facebook post about his autistic son, Jon, attending prom—something he once thought impossible.
Senior student Maddi, who met Jon through a school club, asked Mike for permission to take him. “He’s a junior,” she said. “So it’s his prom too. I just think he should have the chance to go.” Mike and his wife happily agreed.
Maddi made the night special by wearing Jon’s favorite color, orange, and choosing a restaurant with his favorite meal—chicken fingers, fries, and chocolate milk. “It was a pretty breathtaking moment for me,” Mike told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Mike’s post went viral, with over a million shares. He reflected, “I never thought this would happen for our family… It’s one of our best memories.” Maddi, now married, remains humble, seeing her gesture as simple kindness.
Stories like this remind us of the good in the world.
