The problem with having an Autistic child isn’t…

The problem with having an Autistic child, isn’t the child, it’s the people who think they KNOW Your child.
Everyone KNOW’s someone who’s autistic, a friends child or they have a niece or a nephew with autism so that makes them an authority.
(Or a child therapist – we‘ve come to realize, that they know nothing.)
And because they know 1 or maybe 2 children with autism they know exactly how to handle Your child.
It becomes worse when a family member can’t handle the diagnoses and they tell people things like “She‘s coming right out of it. She‘s fine.”
Because if You’re the one who looks after that child the most, it makes you look like you have no idea what you’re talking about. It’s a constant battle trying to protect your child and be pleasant to people at the same time.
My favorite is when people THINK they know my child enough to watch her. Of course I’m just being over protective or stubborn when I tell people “We don‘t let anyone watch her.” Because, of course, the child you know with autism has to be EXACTLY LIKE MINE and that other child is easy to take care of.
Then you get those who say “Oh I‘m not saying its easy” As if I’m stupid.
I’d love to say “You know NOTHING about my child, but you‘re going to stand here and disregard what I have to say, because you‘ve spent 10 minute with her here and there and you listen to someone who‘s in denial so you must have all the answers.”
The thing is, I can’t say “If you can‘t lift her right now, what are you going to do when she‘s slamming her head against the floor?” (She‘s about 40lbs)
OR “If you can’t run, how are you going to catch her when she gets out the back door?” (She‘s faster than a panther)
My absolute FAVORITE comment came from my very best friend after she watched Keira for 30 minutes. I walked through the door and an Exasperated Woman stood there and said “HOW DO YOU DO THIS EVERYDAY!?!”
(Keep in mind my BFF is the oldest of 8 children, has an Aspie’s brother and her husband works with Autistic children, so she knows what she’s getting into.)
It’s my very favorite comment because it made me feel completely justified. I’m right. And Charity never misses a chance to tell me I’m right.
Thank you Charity.