1. Autism is [or isn't] caused by _______. (The truth is NO one knows really what causes or triggers autism. There's so many varying kinds of autism- no two kids are exactly the same on the spectrum and/ or when the symptoms started).
2. I understand. (The truth is, unless you have a kid with special needs [or work REGULARLY with them], you probably don't get it. And even then differing special needs have differing needs, autism has its own needs again with each kid being a little different).
3. She just needs to apply herself more or she can't do that. Let my child say what she can and cannot do. She'll let you know.
4. Like Rainman? [My internal response: No, not like freaking Rainman.]
5. God knew you could handle this.
6. You really need to control your child.
7. Are you sure she has autism?
8. You should try ________ (therapy, medication, etc).
9. It doesn't matter if she's learning as long as she's happy (this is one from her teacher who I wanted to punch right in the taco).
10. If you had faith in god, autism would go away.
11. It's just a phase. [Internal response: this is one freaking long phase].
12. Aren't you worried that one of your other kids could someday exhibit autism?
13. She just needs to be medicated.
14. How dare you medicate her!
15. You just don't know how to discipline your child.
16. Could you take your child out? She's disturbing everyone.
17. If you thought she could have a meltdown, why did you bring her?
18. She should be in a special class.
19. She's too smart to be autistic.
20. Why isn't she doing ______ yet?
21. Oh she has autism. That must be so hard on you. [No shit, Sherlock.].
22. She just needs a good spanking.
23. Girls don't have autism.
24. Why do you have so many kids when your eldest has autism?
At the end of the day though. I will say in this post that I am strangely grateful for my daughter Bridgette, who just happens to have autism. She is bright, funny, compassionate. I've learned more about loving people unconditionally from her than I could have learned in a lifetime. She is one amazing girl. She's made so much progress in such little time. I sincerely hope that she knows that she can be whatever she wants to be when she grows up, just like any other child. Autism doesn't limit her, but rather other people's perceptions of autism. Never make any assumptions on any child- they all grow and develop differently. Autism even more so. Because autism is the ability to think differently. Without filters. Without judgement. Without any negative conceptions. The differences are sometimes frightening to those who don't understand it, but if looked upon as simply being can be a beautiful thing.
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