I have a child with Autism.
Have you ever noticed that is one of the most difficult statements to make? I have struggled like many parents with even just saying those words. For some reason it seems as though having a child with Autism makes you less of a parent, or a "Bad" mother/father. Why is that? I think that there is so much stigma surrounding Autism that it is regarded by some to be a dirty word.
It is not like I woke up one day and said I think that I would like to have a Special Needs Child. This is something that I did not have any control over. My child has a disability get over it. That is what I almost want to have written on a t-shirt that I can wear when we go out.
My child does not sit quietly at the Dr office, or when we are walking through the store he does not walk next to me politely and ask for what he would like. He runs down the isle and grabs whatever it is and throws it in the cart. Now if it is something that we are not going to be purchasing that day he IS most assuredly going to throw a fit.
People ARE going to stare and judge me but what they do not seem to understand is that this is NOT my fault nor is it my sons fault. He has a physiological disorder that causes some of his reactions to be severe when most think that he is a spoiled brat or something. I have had people walk up to me and tell me as much. That is so beyond hurtful, why do some feel like their input is necessary? It isn't, I promise you. It's one of those situations where I am embarrassed enough most of the time that I don't need some stuck up person that thinks they are so much better than me scolding me in the middle of whatever I am doing. When is that ever appropriate? Personally I can not think of a situation when I am dealing with my Autistic child having a melt down in public when that would be appreciated, but they do it anyway. I used to be really offended by these people, but then I realized that their view of the world is so limited that they feed on making others miserable and judging those whose shoes they have never walked in.
I would love to hear your experiences about being judged while living with Autism. I am hoping that this blog will be a great way to connect with others that share your desires, your pain, as well as your hopes and dreams for our loved ones living life on the spectrum.
