Great question, Shawn. I appreciate empathy more than sympathy. As a parent of an autistic child, I associate sympathy with pity. I would not appreciate someone feeling sorry for me, as if parenting or caring for an autistic person is doomsday. Empathy allows people to relate to your journey eye-to-eye, not from a bird’s eye view.

Same, empathy not sympathy. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me because my kid is my kid. Insight and compassion are way more welcome than pity....

ANone! I would rather have HONESTY! As a parent people showing sympathy or empathy doesn’t benefit me or what I’m going through actually adds more stress. And honesty you can just cut through the BS.

Her comments seem so passive aggressive. Very “high road” of you to note that she’s never had children. I admire that.

I find sympathy offensive. I don't want anyone feeling sorry for me or my situation. My child is still my greatest blessing despite his disability and challenges and I was chosen to be his mother. I pity the person who pities me if that's the case. I do appreciate people being empathetic if I need a good vent session or just share general hardships. They may not have the right words to say or know exactly what I'm going through but as long as they try to be a good/active listener who validates your concerns or feelings that's what matters.