When we visit family (some members only 1 or 2 times a year) we often get the statement "he seems normal" or what is wrong with him? (with the follow up being he seems normal. When we prepare for these family visits, it takes a lot to know he will "maintain" for the hours ahead, I always make sure he has his video game, snacks, something to chew on, and paper and crayons and even then I find him a quiet spots to set up shop and then spend time to make sure he is doing ok. I am not sure how… read more
@A MyAutismTeam Member ... I relate completely! what I did was copy articles that spoke about issues directly related to my son ...(as we know there is a wide range of symptoms etc ...each child is different) .. I then e-mailed my sister and brothers and asked them to please read the articles, explaining that it was very difficult to make simple statements about his DX. My sister actually asked more questions and is now on board and gets it, while my brothers think a good a$$ whooping is still what he needs. needless to say I dont see my brothers or thier families because it causes undue stress on us all. Unfortunatley not everyone will understand .. I just kick the dust off my shoes and move on.. Robert is my number one proiroty, along with my 2 other adult children and my hubby and my granbabies! :)
I say to this question "yes he is normal but he has issues and stuggles assosisted with autisim. "
You seem like you have all the supports your son needs while visiting family. I wouldn't worry about what people say or think. My daughter is ADHD and turns slowly 3 times to the right when she is bored or anxious. She also has sensory integration issues. My side of the family is great with her. My husband's side is clueless. I ignore them. My husband is great with our daughter, but concerned. My father-in-law will say to her, "Stop doing that!" "Kids don't do that!" Whereas my mother will redirect her.
Did I also mention I've been teaching children with autism for 14 years?
Educate them! Send them any info that can help explain his/her behaviors. Our kids are normal, they just react differently to some situations.
{{{hugs}}} Ah, the "joys" of dealing with extended family. So frustrating, but be glad that you're getting the "he seems normal" comments instead of "is she ever going to learn to talk properly?" I should have a t-shirt printed with "she's making progress, it's just slow" on it to save the trouble of having to repeat that over and over again...