| Autism is a developmental disorder that affects | | | | If ignoring rudeness is impossible, you should |
| roughly one out of 100 children. It is characterized | | | | approach confrontation with the aim to educate. If |
| by a lack of ability to function socially and in more | | | | someone understands that your child is autistic |
| severe cases, the process of communication. | | | | they will be less likely to make any further |
| Discovering that your child has autism can be a | | | | comments. |
| traumatic experience. Oftentimes, parents may | | | | In addition, it is a good idea to have a plan when |
| believe there is something developmentally wrong | | | | you go out in public. Understand the types of |
| with their child, but accepting that autism is the | | | | situations that can upset your child and do your |
| culprit can be difficult to say the least. Accepting | | | | best to avoid these circumstances whenever |
| that your child is autistic and getting him the help | | | | possible. It is also a good idea to keep a journal of |
| he needs is just the beginning. There are many | | | | your child's behaviors and cross-reference them |
| other factors that go into parenting an autistic | | | | with locations. This will allow you to understand |
| child. | | | | the triggers for bouts of violent or aggressive |
| At first, having an autistic child can be | | | | behavior. |
| embarrassing for some parents. Autistic children | | | | To minimize disruptive behavior, think about the |
| do not have the same social skills as most of | | | | particular outing you have planned and what the |
| their peers. They are often prone to fits of anger | | | | worst case scenario would be and then plan for it. |
| and violence due to their inability to properly | | | | Take along a favorite toy or snack for placating |
| communicate. Oftentimes, these 'tantrums' occur | | | | your child, if they do 'act out' or make unusual |
| in public. | | | | movements/noises have some stock answers at |
| There are many people that do not understand | | | | the ready i.e 'Sam has autism and lots of people |
| the first thing about autism. This means that they | | | | noises/new environments upset him. His |
| are more likely to make rude or insensitive | | | | movements/noises helps him cope with stressful |
| comments about autistic people. People, on the | | | | situations'. Try going out in small groups of friends |
| whole, are an understanding bunch, although there | | | | or family who know your child and can help you |
| are plenty of people who will make insensitive | | | | cope with any public outbursts or comments |
| comments, ask inappropriate questions, and even | | | | from strangers. |
| stare at autistic children. | | | | Dealing with autism in public is not an easy task. |
| The first instinct for many parents may be to | | | | There are many people out there who will make |
| meet this insensitivity with anger. This is not the | | | | judgments, comments, and other rude gestures |
| best approach. Consider that the person who | | | | at your child. Parents of other 'normal' children |
| makes an insensitive comment is ignorant to what | | | | may also make insensitive comments. This is a |
| autism is. They just don't know any better! | | | | negative part of human nature - but it is |
| What you should do as a parent, is try to ignore | | | | impossible for you to change it. What you can do |
| the comments if possible. This may be easier said | | | | is to provide information about the disorder and |
| than done, but it falls upon you to be the voice of | | | | offer insight that will help others understand. If |
| reason. In addition, you should always focus on | | | | this does not work do not initiate a confrontation, |
| providing a good example for your child. | | | | as that will probably only upset your child and |
| Remember, the well-being and safety of your | | | | probably attract further attention. |
| child is paramount. Everything else is secondary. | | | | |