Why does nobody ask about our life with autism?

Autism is a huge part of our lives for good and for bad. It dictates everything we do. I love my boy so much and derive so much joy from him. I celebrate him every day but life can be difficult and it most certainly is not 'normal'.

One thing I find difficult is that nobody (other than those who know and love my boy) asks 'how are things' or 'what does your boys autism mean for  you'. I feel the need to tell people that my boy is autistic. It is not a secret, it is not an embarassment and  it explains a lot but the silence that declaration is met with both immediately and later on at best annoys and a worst is very hurtful.

Sorry I just needed to ventilate, I guess there are no solutions other than education...

Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    People do find talking about disabilities difficult and sometimes they will be embarrassed and they just won't know what to say. One thing that helps, in my mind, is reducing my expectations of what others might do in a situation. If I have lower expectations then I am less liable to be dissappointed and I am more likely to get to the end of the day with less anger and frustration.

    Education and programs like the A Word are all very good but I don't expect them to get through to the large number of people who would rather just watch football or The Voice (I'm using gross generalisations here - I watch football myself but also watch things like C4's Born Naughty so pelase don't complain if The Voice is your favourite program!)

Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    People do find talking about disabilities difficult and sometimes they will be embarrassed and they just won't know what to say. One thing that helps, in my mind, is reducing my expectations of what others might do in a situation. If I have lower expectations then I am less liable to be dissappointed and I am more likely to get to the end of the day with less anger and frustration.

    Education and programs like the A Word are all very good but I don't expect them to get through to the large number of people who would rather just watch football or The Voice (I'm using gross generalisations here - I watch football myself but also watch things like C4's Born Naughty so pelase don't complain if The Voice is your favourite program!)

Children
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