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Parents of special needs children are delighted when someone asks about their child, because it is a chance to tell someone more than books ever can. This is especially true of parents of autistic children. We have all spent days dissolved in tears, but have spent many more being thankful our child is who and what they are and not what we once wished they could be. The media quite rightly talks about the hardships of being a parent or carer, but it forgets about the pleasures. It’s a cliché to say being with a special child is difficult but incredibly rewarding - but it’s true! We don’t want you to think, “Oh that poor woman, how does she cope? Thank goodness that’s not me”. We want you to think, “Is her son autistic? I wonder what his name is.”
If you are curious enough to stare you are curious enough to ask; come and say hello! I know that approaching a special child can be scary – you’re not sure what to say or whether to talk directly to the child or to their carer. So I’ll help you.
Always speak to the child first. Their understanding is almost certainly better than their reciprocal communication. If the child can’t (or won’t) respond the carer will do so for them – you’re spared any embarrassment and may well come away having learned something.
What would be embarrassing is to be caught staring!
By: Attila the Mum
Other sites that may be of interest
The National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs.
Autism Spectrum
Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew - A very enlightening article by Ellen Notbohm, a freelance writer and parent of a child with autism.
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