I’m part of an autistic mom’s group, and the common message I’m seeing is how alone they are. So many people reject us and our children. So many people also pass judgement and give unwanted parenting advice. Even in public, I’ve heard people walk by and mutter something negative under their breath or give us a dirty look.
Please, when someone tells you their child is autistic, believe them. Don’t question the diagnosis and ask repeated questions what made them pursue a diagnosis. The reasons may be very personal and embarrassing for the child.
Don’t criticize, belittle, or project a very negative future for them. Please understand it is a spectrum, with varied symptoms, and no two children are alike.
Autistic children can be very verbal and make eye contact. Just because you know one child who is autistic doesn’t mean you know them all.
Don’t judge when a meltdown is occurring, when the child wants to touch everything, when the child gets overly emotional, or talks back.
Don’t say, this is what I would do, because often that applies to a neurotypical child.
I am not excusing bad behaviour. I am just trying to say that we have to do things differently for our children and it takes longer to do.
Just trying to educate everyone in this world as much as I can because it is a very misinformed and misunderstood diagnosis. Just offer a kind smile, word, or some encouragement if you can, because we need all the positive energy and love we can get. Doesn’t everybody?
blaak sheep 