@eileen.lamb: If this post can get even one person to think twice before judging what they don’t understand, I’ll consider it a win. But wow, the hate comments lately? They’re coming in hot and not the “kind and constructive” kind either. Nope, these are filled with ignorance and judgment, even more than usual: “My kid is autistic and doesn’t act like this.” “He’s just a brat.” “Just teach him not to smash things.” “Hit him” Ah, yes. Thank you, strangers. Autism solved. Here’s the thing: autism is a spectrum. Charlie’s autism is on the profound end. He doesn’t understand that swallowing objects is dangerous, he swallowed a screw last year, and it had to be surgically removed from his colon. He smashes things because he lacks impulse control and—brace yourselves—because it’s fun for him. Believe me, I’d love to teach him not to smash things. Do you know how expensive that “fun” is? A lot. A lot. What people don’t get is that some kids, like Charlie, can’t just “be taught” their way out of behaviors. Autism this severe isn’t about lazy parenting or a lack of trying. It’s about a brain wired differently, and as parents, we’re often fighting battles most people can’t even imagine. So before you jump in with, “Well, I know someone with autism, and they don’t act like this,” stop. Knowing one person with autism doesn’t mean you know all of autism. That’s like meeting one French person and assuming we all wear berets and carry baguettes everywhere. Most of us are doing everything humanly possible to help our kids learn skills others take for granted. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, autism is just too severe to make certain things possible. The next time you see a child struggling—or smashing—or a parent just trying to make it through the day, please resist the urge to judge. Trust me, we’re already carrying enough without the weight of your assumptions.

Eileen Lamb

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Saturday 23 November 2024 22:00:29 GMT