Comments That Drive Me Crazy #2
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CrazyPeople say some incredibly stupid things when confronted with autism. This is the second installment of insensitive comments that people have said to me regarding Katie’s disability.

You can find the first installment here.

Enjoy!

 

  1. But she’s so happy.
    Yeah, she is. Lots of kids on the spectrum manage to be happy. I know this will shock you, but their families do too.
  2. Maybe she just needs a shorter day at school while she adjusts.
    Adjusts to what? Autism is a life-long condition.
  3. You know, you’re lucky. Most of “them” can’t talk at all.
    It’s called autism, you pinhead, and all of “them” communicate in some way—even if it’s nonverbal. I wish my daughter talked more, but I really wish you talked less. Much, much less.
  4. Have you read Jenny McCarthy’s books? Why not try her doctor/diet/therapy? She cured her son.
    Yes, I’ve read some of Jenny’s books. I’ve read LOTS of books on autism. But nothing is going to “cure” my daughter or anyone else affected with ASD. Her brain is wired differently. I like that about her.
  5. A good spanking would stop that tantrum.
    Right now the only person I want to spank good and hard is you.
  6. I’m so sorry for your loss.
    You’re sorry for my LOSS?? Several guys I’ve met while online dating have responded this way when told that my daughter has autism. Others make up a lame excuse (Oh, I just realized, this very second, that I’m not ready to date…). Sorry, dude. You’re the one losing out because me and my amazing daughter have better things to do than waste our time with you.
  7. How does it feel knowing you will never have grandchildren? Oh, I forgot. You couldn’t have your own kids so maybe you’re okay with that. I know I wouldn’t be.
    This one is just plain cruel on so many levels.
  8. I could never raise a child with autism. I couldn’t deal with it. I just couldn’t deal with all the strange behavior and that annoying echoing thing she does. You’re such an amazing person.
    Right now the really amazing thing is that I’m not punching you in the mouth.
  9. She’s too pretty for there to be anything wrong with her.
    Are you sure about that? You’re pretty and there’s something clearly wrong with you.
  10. Most people in your position would give her back.
    My soon-to-be ex-husband said this to me first, but many others have said it since. I’d like to think this statement isn’t true; that most people would NOT in fact give an adopted child back when diagnosed with autism. But even if it is, I’m not most people. This statement simply does not compute for me.

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I’ll post Part 6 of the school placement drama (trauma?) next week. My apologies to those who have been impatiently waiting.

Until next time,
Cynthia Patton

About Cynthia J. Patton

Writer, Editor, Advocate, Speaker, Special Needs Attorney, and Autism Mom. Also the Founder and Chairperson of Autism A to Z, a nonprofit providing resources and solutions for life on the spectrum.
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One Response to Comments That Drive Me Crazy #2

  1. Pingback: Comments That Drive Me Crazy #3 | CYNTHIA J. PATTON

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