Something that has always bothered me is the parents that shoot those daggered looks of judgement. Most of you know what I'm talking about. When I'm out in public and my child with Autism has a meltdown or is otherwise struggling in the environment he is in at that particular moment. People unsympathetically look at me as though I should do something more aggressive than try and talk my child down or defuse the situation with calm, quite words.
Granted, most people don't have the slightest idea what is going on and why I choose to handle these outbursts the way I do. However, is it really necessary to make snide comments about my child needing *a firm hand*?
In the past 10 years, I've heard just about every sort of cruel, ignorant and intolerant comment that could possibly come out of someone's mouth. The worst of them include the use of the *r-word*.
I realize that these meltdowns and behavioral outbursts can be *unpleasant* to to witness. Trust em when I say that I understand. However, they are even more unpleasant for my child.
Having said that, assuming that my kids are *spoiled brats *or *just bad kids*, simply because they are having a meltdown, is grossly ignorant. Kids and adults on the Autism Spectrum can experience the world in ways that are extremely overwhelming and completely overstimulating. Sensory overload is one of the most common reasons behind a meltdown. It very often has nothing to do with disciplinary issues whatsoever.
I found this video and thought it might help to explain *Sensory Overload.*
[youtube width="720" height="480"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGKCtp9Gaxc[/youtube]
I promise that if you had to spend one day in the shoes of my kids, experiencing their sensory issues you would have a *much better understanding.*
What really gets to me is when you watch the behavior of the kids belonging to these same *judgmental parents. *Often times, I see kids that are downright rude, disrespectful and out of control and yet these same parents have the nerve to cast judgement on mine. Really?
In my world, my reality, there is a huge difference between bad behavior and behavior that is outside of ones control.
Regardless of* Autism* or *Sensory Processing Disorder, * my children are polite and respectful of others and generally well behaved.
I suggest you look at yourself and your kids before casting judgement on mine.
