I think the hardest part of social interaction for us is that nobody knows Jonah is autistic, except those who REALLY “get it.”

I don’t really wear “autism” apparel. Neither does Jonah.

Most of the time, people don’t even pay attention to us.

…until the behaviors start.

They see the “unruly kid” and his parents’ reaction.

“Are they just gonna let the kid ‘get away with that?’”

I don’t have the time or patience to explain it anymore.

I will apologize for Jonah’s behavior if he disrupts somebody else, but I won’t even bring up “autism.”

Usually because I’ll be busy ushering Jonah away, as he’s protesting.

And people will be left to make assumptions about “kids these days” or “parents these days” …

I’ve seen videos strangers have taken of parents having a tough time with their “unruly kids” THAT HAVE GONE VIRAL talking about “today’s generation of kids…”

It takes me about TWO SECONDS to see the way the child is reacting to know …”that’s not a ‘tantrum.’ That’s a ‘sensory meltdown.’ That’s ‘autism.’”

And that parent is doing the best they can with the situation they are dealing with.

One of my biggest fears is that someone will take a video of us out in public, and post something about this “horrible parent who lets his kid do THIS”…

Like “I would NEVER let my kid…” or “he needs more discipline” or … WHATEVER.

I guess what I am trying to say is when you see a GLIMPSE of these families out in public, you REALLY don’t know what’s actually going on.

So instead of judgement, maybe have some compassion for a situation most likely don’t fully understand.

[from The Daily Stim]

Original Facebook Post.