Autism Awareness

Tell you what do what I do if child with or without a disability have melt down put yourself on floor and scream like a baby people then will just walk past. Some even may take pity. I used to say to some what never seen a kid have meltdown were your children angles. And always people over 60 then look. Just ignore them you and your child have a right to shop some supermarkets offer time slots for disabled children worth checking yours

Hi Blues94. I am so sorry that inconsiderate people are making you feel this way. I would like to see them walk a mile in your shoes!

As Ann1984 said, many stores now have autism friendly shopping hours. I know Lidl do.

You can also buy badges from Amazon and eBay. You may not want to label your child but perhaps it will help people understand his behaviour?

If anyone tells you shut your child up you tell the person they can shut up instead. I have a hidden disability and know the frustration myself its annoying. The world is hard enough, being Autistic makes it even harder I send my love your way. Just ignore ignorant twats like that.

I am also in the process of waiting for my 7yo son to be diagnosed. I can understand where your coming from.. People can be so rude, especially adults staring etc, yet you would expect adults not to act the way they do sometimes. Ignore them best you can.

I'm sorry you have come across some rude people.There are some lovely supportive groups on facebook/Autism Inclusivity..lots of support and advice there.My son talks&talks,he is unique and wonderful,it doesn't matter what other people say,you are supportive to your son,that's all that matters x

My 3 nephews have autism and you should see how people look at them when im with them I say to people what you looking at they soon look away

I cam guarantee that you are an amazing mum and are doing everything you can to support your son and there are plenty of people out there who couldn't do what you do!

My son is 2, almost 3 and like all children that age he has tantrums. If anyone glares or comments I look at them and say "if you would like to try calm him down, then please be my guest!" They always walk away very quickly.

I never judge a parent who is having a hard time with their child, my son is hard work at times. People need to be more understanding.

I've dealt with a number of autistic children in my job, I guarantee as his mother you know him best and are doing everything you can. Ignore what other people say or do when you are out with your son, if possible go during the autism friendly hours, although I know this might affect his usual routine and might cause upset so make sure he knows why.

Just remember that your son is lucky to have such a supportive mother, who clearly loves and cares for him a great deal.

My daughter wears a sunflower lanyard when we go out, in the hope that of she acts "out of the norm" people will realise why. My daughter is sensitive to noise, so during tanoid announcement will crouch down with hands over ears making loud noises of her own to drown it out, which adults, not children, seem to think is interesting and will stare.

Honestly, I wouldn't let what others think bother you. I know that it can be super hard when you feel that you are being judged, but if you're dealing with your son in the best way that works for him, then poop to others x

More people really do need to be aware of autism along with many other invisible disabilities, some people can be so rude and judgy when they see things going wrong or people having issues / meltdowns. it needs to be normalized more as it is an event that happens to many on a daily basis.

Thanks for all the kind lovely warning messages everyone! I’m so emotional reading them but happy tears that I’m not alone and it’s not just me! So thank you everyone it means the world to me and my little family!

Just like any 'hidden' disability there will always be many people out there that dont understand or care. So many still think its just the parents fault and its just an excuse. Having been there and thankfully come out the other side intact with my son, I feel your pain... Having learnt so much about autism, I know that had such a thing existed then I would have been diagnosed myself and my Mum would have had more support than she did, rather than just being blamed as a bad parent. I am glad you are at least on the pathway to getting the diagnosis as that should open up access to any support that is available in your area. Here in Plymouth we had to wait over a year to 'see' the consultant for a diagnosis although in the end we saw a nurse who asked lots of questions and then went off and came back half an hour later with a bit of paper saying he was on the spectrum. Didn't actually see the consultant herself. When we did 5 months later all she offered was a parenting course - although we would have to wait 18 months to get on it. It did though eventually lead on to getting him into a special school which kind of helped eventually.

Best advice we can give - is seek out any local parent groups who are going through the same issues - even if just on Facebook - the best advice will always come from people who have or are going through the same issues as you are. Try to avoid the clever experts who think they know all about autism but have never had to live with it. You are not alone. Good luck - you will need it - but you will come out of it at some stage in the future and be a much stronger person as a result of it. x

I relly feel for you, ignore ignorant sods like that and tell them to stick their opinions where the sun doesnt shine.

Hi, firstly you are doing great.

There are a kot of people in the same boat, knowledge is power and support groups are extremely helpful in my opinion x

The NAS have a support line to call and a lot of local areas have support groups your school SEN may be able to help, good luck with the EHCP process if you are there and keep fighting you were delt this card in life because you are a strong parent ❤

Im a mother to a child with an ADHD diagnosis and ASD

It took me a few year to accept it wasnt my fault and to blank out the ignorant stares and comments x

Sorry for the ramble but celebrate every achievement your child achieves as they are so much more meaningful x

My nephew is about two years old, knows his colors, words, smart kid and all, but some of the actions he displays appear to be autistic. I asked his mother (one of my sisters) to take him to an expert just to be sure, but she thinks there's nothing wrong.

He shows signs similarly to children in this video:

His father is a drunk/drug addict deadbeat so I don't know if that's linked to it.

I know parents hate when they find out their child isn't "normal," however, it's still their child and need to be loved and cherished.

I think every parent, has been in that situation where their child has had a meltdown in public, so most patents will sympathise.

My nephew is autistic and as a result I am a lot more aware, the autism awareness wrist bracelets may help and if you are not already in touch with

your local branch of Autism UK, I would recommend checking it out, even if it's just the support of other parents www.autism.org.uk/

My nephew was non verbal for the first 5 years of his life but with a lot of work and support can now speak, he is a very loving and intelligent boy, great with computers, remembers everything.

I grew up with an autistic sister and understand the looks etc you get but please ignore them. They must be so thick to do such horrible things.

Hey youre not alone my son has autism and its like how you described i give him phone alot of the time while shopping but i want to be able to calm him bu words than give him the phone but they are soo special

Thank you for all the comments I still read them now. We are not alone and I’ve become very very ignorant to them non understanding nobodies outside and life is now a little better. We are all different and I think it’s a good thing or we would all be the same and very boring! I love my son and I’m very proud to be his mother!