I will be the first to say this is one of the hardest things and I struggle with this exact question!!!! But im finally starting to realize after many tears later lol. That it truly doesn't matter what other people think or what their judgment is. Its your precious baby and you love them not matter what. You know your baby and whats going on. Others dont. You are absolutely the best parent :) I learned i was making a mistake by not taking my daughter out in public. She is 4 nonverbal and severely autistic. I was so worried about others and how they made me feel as a mom and how they saw my daughter. Until I realized I was being unfair to her and I. We deserve to have a life and be able to go out in public. It might not always be easy but thats ok (: its worth it and much deserved! It doesn't matter what people who dont even know you think. Because the ones that know you and love you get it and thats what matters (: and the more you do go out the easier it gets (: for me the dollar store is the closest and the easiest place for me to go its 2 minutes from my house. Well sometimes it's good and other times not so much. But the workers there know my daughter and I now. They know she is different. And its ok (: your not alone with this problem or feeling. But know your a amazing parent and at the end of the day everyone has a opinion or judgment to pass. Doesn't mean it has to matter. Because your doing everything you can do and the only thing that can be judged with that is your a great parent:) most people cant do what we do(: and if any outsider thinks they can do what I do challenge them lol. Your a rock star and dont ever doubt that(: if you do IM HERE FOR YOU !!!! 🤗 I got your back 🫶

https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/gui...

https://linksaba.com/how-to-handle-judgment-in-...

Navigating Judgement and Assessment:
Assumption of Competence: It is crucial to presume competence, as traditional tests often underestimate the intelligence of non-verbal individuals.
Alternative Communication: Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools is essential to give individuals a voice.
Focus on Strengths: Assessments should highlight social engagement, such as using gaze, smiling, or gestures to connect, rather than just spoken words.
Inclusive Environments: Educational and social environments that are accepting of different communication methods, such as hybrid schools, support positive outcomes.
Key Considerations for Support:
Advocacy: Protecting non-verbal individuals from stigma involves educating the public that non-verbal does not mean non-thinking.
Environmental Adjustments: Reducing sensory overload and allowing for AAC use helps prevent the stress that causes, or contributes to, non-verbal, or as they may also be referred to, nonspeaking, episodes.

Education: Increased public awareness is crucial to shifting perspectives from judgment to empathy.
Advocacy: Proactive communication, such as using awareness cards, can help strangers understand the need for patience and space.
Support: Non-verbal individuals can communicate and express themselves effectively with proper, alternative communication tools (AAC).

How to Handle Judgment in Public Spaces with Your Autistic Child: A Comprehensive Guide for Families | Links

https://linksaba.com/how-to-handle-judgment-in-public-spaces-with-your-autistic-child/

Going out with friends of family and to outings really helped my son. He learnt how to be himself and not scared. He concentrated on people around him. That is family and friends only. Thus growing and learning from us. Xx hugs new friend and keep safe xx

My son is 4 as well and I really appreciate you. It’s not how or who’s looking or what they feel it’s the feeling of wanting people to think before they glare or think they understand. It’s the wanting to educate the uneducated for these exact reasons you gratefully shared. Wanting to go to stores that don’t know my child and trying to widen his comfort zones and break barriers to strength him all around. ❤️

Thank you so much