Comments on: Comments That Drive Me Crazy #6

By: Cynthia Patton

Cynthia Patton — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 08:21:08 +0000

Welcome, Ena! I too wish that more people were aware of autism and how it impacts behavior. These are not bad or misbehaving kids.

Maybe it’s up to each of us to educate about autism, one person at a time.

By: Ena Membreno

Ena Membreno — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 07:25:53 +0000

Hugs to you and your daughter, I do have an autistic grandson, six years old, and he is the joy of my life, we do treat him at home normally, but in public people sometimes is merciless, wish something more should be done to make people aware of autism, kind regards, Ena

By: Cynthia Patton

Cynthia Patton — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 06:39:21 +0000

Hi Amy! I suspect that since you often work with kids with ASD and strive to be sensitive, then you aren’t making any of the insensitive comments that I discussed. But you raise an interesting question. What are things I’d like to hear? Hmmm. Let me think about that and I’ll put together another post.

Thanks for stopping by!

By: Amy Kalas

Amy Kalas — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 15:14:58 +0000

What are some things you would want to hear? I am a music therapist who works with children with ASD and I always strive to be sensitive to parents and family members. Thanks!

By: Cynthia Patton

Cynthia Patton — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 04:40:05 +0000

Hi Pam! Welcome to my site. Yes, I imagine you have heard all of these comments. Most autism parents (and grandparents) have. It’s my friends without autistic kids who are shocked. Keep coming back.

By: Pam Williams

Pam Williams — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 00:50:07 +0000

Love your site, I have heard ALL of those. I am raising my grandson with Autism, he’ll be 12 next week. I have been reading all of this non stop!

By: Cynthia Patton

Cynthia Patton — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 05:10:36 +0000

Ahh, Jenn. I know you would include us both. Lovely people like you are not the problem. What I needed to learn was that Katie and I were not the problem either. The people who walk away or ignore us are the ones who have the problem, although I’m not sure I’d call it a problem. They are uncomfortable and/or afraid of what they don’t understand, so they hide from it rather than confront it head on. It’s sad, but I’ve learned to deal with it. And truthfully, it happens less and less.

And yes, your question is perfect. I try to educate when I can, but there is only so much one person can do. I have never met a parent of a child with autism who would not be happy to answer questions.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 14:41:04 +0000

Oh Cynthia! I wish I lived closer. I would invite you BOTH to all my parties.

Also, I think (please correct me if I’m wrong) another better response may be to ask a question… I don’t think most people understand what it means to be autistic (but think they should know). Maybe just ask, “What does that mean?” and of course, listen.