Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

I Have a Special Needs Child

There needs to be more awareness in the general public. When people try to joke with a child who DOES NOT GET JOKES they are not being rude when they get upset, and if they turning away, averting their eyes, walking faster to outpace you, or covering their ears that's a pretty clear sign that they are not taking what you say as a joke. I know people don't mean any harm, but from a parent's standpoint hearing a child claim that "I really tried mommy, I just don't understand what they are talking about" is heartbreaking. Dealing with the backlash from just that situation can be even worse. THEY cannot read body language like you or I, but they put out pretty damn clear signals. Please pay attention to the 'please leave me alone' look on their face. I cannot even count how many times I have said to people "hey sorry, but he doesn't really feel like playing right now" and got an F U look in return. Autism really does speak, people need to learn to hear it.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

MissMollyCharlotte0702

Just say,”I’m sorry...my son has autism...and we are working on getting him involved with other children.” The FU is a sign of ignorance. People in general really will understand with a kind explanation. I work with disabilities so I know a little of what you are dealing with.

Tinkerhell · 41-45, F

@MissMollyCharlotte0702 I've found that one friend who gets it means more to them than 20 friends who don't. And you are so right, the FU is ignorance, and all the exposure in the world won't change that.

MissMollyCharlotte0702

So you got the FU from someone you know? I thought it was a stranger? He has a disability!!! Gee Whiz!! Some friend. I’d kick that friend right out of my life. @Tinkerhell

Tinkerhell · 41-45, F

@MissMollyCharlotte0702 It was someone who I was acquainted with but would not call a friend, especially after that.

MissMollyCharlotte0702

I can see why. @Tinkerhell

FunReader55 · 51-55, M

@Tinkerhell dont you love when thise people have it all figured out?!? Lol!! “Well you just march into that public school and demand they help you!” Oh, crap, i did forget to do that!! Then i spent over 100k for zero progress!! If only i’d done that “march in” thing!! Lol!!!

FunReader55 · 51-55, M

@MissMollyCharlotte0702 this is really the right way to do it! It is!! But not for me! I have dealt with waaaaay to much to care if some stranger is offended or confused!! Lol!! Besides with my son basically being the size of Shaq Oneal, when he had a physical meltdown there were mo words to fux it!!! Lol!! Im a really big, strong, tough guy and in those moments all i could do is get rhe crap beat out of mtself while trying to make sure he didn’t hurt himself or others!! Lol!! The fun ole days!!

Tinkerhell · 41-45, F

@FunReader55 Is there any go to calming aid you've found that works?

FunReader55 · 51-55, M

I was just asking my wife and trying to remember. I wish i had something for you. I’ll say this, my wife was relentless. No matter what, through all the stuff, good and bad, she said we had to make sure he knew we loved him. Now that doesn’t mean we didn’t screw up, we did alot, or lose our patience, we did again alot, lol, but we just made sure he knew we loved him. Sorry i dont have something more solid!!

Tinkerhell · 41-45, F

@FunReader55 Every little bit helps. :)

FunReader55 · 51-55, M

Actually, i just asked him. He said he liked to lay down in the shower and relax. I kinda forgot he used to do that. Water was alwYs good. He loves water. Have you ever seen anything about Surfer’s Healing?

Tinkerhell · 41-45, F

@FunReader55 Yes, and water works well on my son. My daughter on the other hand has tubes in her ears and doesn't get to do much in water (ear plugs are not 100% effective). Deep tissue massage and music works with them.

FunReader55 · 51-55, M

You have 2 kids on the spectrum? Wow, you’re tough!! We have another child, and she’s insane, but in a nuerolly typical way! Lol!!

Tinkerhell · 41-45, F

@FunReader55 Yes, and thank you. My son has Asperger's, Tourette's, and OCD. My daughter is a non verbal ASD youngin with dermagraphism and OCD. They help each other out a lot.

Aww, insanity is fun!

FunReader55 · 51-55, M

Wow thats pretty neat. My kids fight like banshees! My wife username up here is whycantichangemyname if you ever want to ask her anything. We did actually find the CURE, yes cure, for dyslexia, if you ever have issues there. Man did we!! 10 years!! Took us 10 years of specialists, schools, doctors, ext.. before we met our miracle and he wrote the alphabet. Okay, now im crying... lol

Tinkerhell · 41-45, F

@FunReader55 My son is very bright, but his social skills are very lacking. And fine motor skills are way behind. Now me....I at times have trouble reading, or at least comprehending what I read.

Aww I'm so happy he had a breakthrough like that! I know I'll burst into tears when my daughter says momma.

FunReader55 · 51-55, M

Oh gosh, you’re a saint!! Hang in there. I don’t know if there is anything we could do but if you ever need something, ask!!

Tinkerhell · 41-45, F

@FunReader55 Thank you very much, and same goes to both of you. It's always nice to bounce ideas off of other people in a similar situation.