THINGS NEVER TO SAY TO AN AUTISM MOM

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As an autism mom, I have heard innumerable pieces of wisdom from distant acquaintances, well- meaning close relatives, friends and strangers. Most of them not bad - intentioned , but nearly all of them-"UNSOLICITED". Unsolicited advice  for a special needs mom is like the junk sales mail spamming her mailbox. 

So unless you  want her to take out her hidden fangs and claws 😁😁, please refrain from using these lines:-

1) Have You Tried  essential oils, they cure everything:- While I would love my car and bedroom to turn into lavender garden, they won't make my child speak or magically whisk away autism.so no magic vitamin, supplements or diet recommendations please.

2) It's all Due to his screen  time :- This myth was recently reinforced  by some layman therapists and  doctors . Of course, they need some how to pin the blame on bad parenting. Earlier it was cold moms, then Vaccines, after that came heavy metals and Now Its screen time. screen time can't change anybody's neurology. A lot of screen time is bad for any child (and adults too) irrespective of their neurology .

3)"Autism? Are you sure it's not just bad parenting?" :- No My poor misguided soul, Parenting doesn't alter neurology either. It can Have impact on a child's personality in long run but not on his neurology.

4) He Seems So Normal , Are you sure It's Autism ? :- Yes Dear, I didn't spent thousands of Rupees Just for my own fancy. Autism is a broad spectrum , there is no cookie-cutter mold for measuring autism. So Please Trust the diagnosis, individual experiences and keep such remarks to yourself.

5) He Just Needs more discipline :- Oh My dear, If only it were that simple. Autism doesn't come with a manual , and discipline alone can't change its rhythm. Its like discipling a fish to survive on trees-- no Matter how well meaning but utterly ineffective, isn't it?

6) He Must be brilliant in Mathematics:- No Woman, A lot of Autism is just "plain- Vanilla Autism". Not every autistic child is Einstein , just like any ordinary Neurotypical Child, lot of autistic children don't possess exceptional talents.So stop pointing and reinforcing the stereotypes.

7) " I Know Exactly How You Feel" , my cousin's neighbor's son has it too :-While empathy is a noble goal, stories of distant acquaintances will never make any autism mom feel better.

8) He Will grow out of it :- Ah, The hopeful thought that autism is just a phase .Like Kids grew out of stuffed toys. No, that never happens. It's a Part of Who they are. So leave such remarks for Wizards and Quacks.

Dear readers, you now possess the knowledge to gracefully navigate conversations with autism moms. Remember, the world is a better place without silly Hats....👒👒

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