Supermarket Chain Withdraws Popular Times Table Placemat from Shelves After Autistic Boy Points Out Awkward Miscalculation

"12x12 is not 60," repeated the frustrated autistic four-year-old Oliver to his mom, Melanie Kaye. Melanie shared with Daily Mail Australia how her son was obsessed with numbers, which is why she got him a times table placemat in the hope that he would enjoy it.

She said that Oliver was 'stoked' about the placemat until he noticed the mistake. Melanie posted the error on a Facebook group called Aldi Mums and caught the attention of many shoppers.

Many praised Oliver for his keen eye and cleverness. One even commented, 'Wow! Well done! It took me a while to find the mistake.' Since then, the German supermarket chain has pulled out the item in 500 stores across Australia.

According to Melanie, unfortunately, she had to return the placemat as the sight of it was upsetting her son. She shared that the store employee even chuckled as she explained the reason for the return.

A spokesperson from Aldi said the supermarket was already removing the placemat from their shelves. Furthermore, the spokesperson encouraged customers to return purchased placemats to their local store for a full refund.

The store's representative jokingly said that at least 144 reasons the printing error on the product was awkward, but that they take a serious effort to ensure that their products are of the highest quality. Furthermore, the store apologizes to children (and their parents) learning their times tables for the error.

Also Read: Genetic Mutation May Help Understand Autism

Obsessed with repetitive behavior and routines

According to the National Autistic Society, obsessions, routines, and repetitive behavior can be a source of gratification for autistic people. It could also serve as a way of coping with everyday life.

However, the practice of such habits could also limit an autistic person's involvement in other activities. Furthermore, they could also cause anxiety or distress.

Starting from a young age, many autistic people develop passionate and highly-focused interests. These interests can change over time or stay with them for the rest of their lives. It can range from numbers, animals, art, music, car registration numbers, train timetables, postcodes, and many more.

Autistic people usually report that the pursuit of such interests is essential to their well-being and happiness. Many of them carry their interest in studying, working, volunteering, or other significant occupation.

Furthermore, the National Autistic Society says that interests can provide structure, order, and predictability that help people autistic individuals cope with the uncertainties of daily life. It also offers them a way to start conversations and to feel more self-assured in social situations, aside from helping them feel relaxed and happy.

Life with an Autistic Child

Everyday life can be a real challenge for a person living with someone on the autism spectrum. However, some people contend that sometimes, it's the small changes that can help.

Benison O'Reilly, the author of The Complete Autism Handbook, writes that having a child with a disability can uncover strengths and abilities one never knew he or she had. Having an autistic child, he claims that the experience has made him a kinder and wiser person.

In their website, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares real stories from people living with individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. The compilation of stories is meant for people dealing with the same situation at home to provide support and understanding.