A personal request from the Head Flower Girl
Consider for a moment a public scene where a parent is struggling with a screaming, tantruming, and inconsolable child. It would appear fairly typical if the child was two. Those of you with children would nod knowingly and probably not give it a second thought. Those without children may say a little prayer of thanks.
Now consider the same scene where the child is twelve years old. What would be your first reaction upon seeing a kicking, screaming adolescent? Do you assume the child is a brat and the parent is completely inept? Do you make public comments such as "he just needs a good spanking" or further add to the parent and child's humiliation with other cruel comments or actions like demanding loudly that the restaurant manager seat you elsewhere "because of the noise", or request a store manager call the police? I ask you to stop for a moment and consider that what you may be witnessing is a child having an autism meltdown. Rather than judging, offer the parent your assistance. Hold their place in line, or watch their shopping cart for them. Help the parent get the situation under control by allowing them the opportunity to concentrate on their child. Offer a tissue and a smile, help pick up the mess after the storm has passed. Just show a little compassion. Not all disabilities are obvious at first glance, but all those with disabilities deserve a little respect.
1 comment:
OMG! I could have written this. My daughter has autism. I can't tell you how many times people will say such hateful things to us. They would never say the same thing to a parent with a child in a wheelchair. Just because you can't see the disability doesn't mean it isn't as serious. Autistic kids are not brats. It is not willful misbehaviour. I would gladly trade places for a day with a parent with a typical child to let them see how well they cope with the ticking time bomb that can be an autistic child. I wish them luck!
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