Ok, I need to vent.
My DS has spent the last 4 years under CAMHS being assessed for ASD. Recently it was his birthday and he felt like he would enjoy a small party. Thankfully some children could come.
At the party one of the children's parents asked why my child was not eating any food. I responded by saying he didn't really like any of the food on offer. She asked why I had prepared food my son didn't like at his party. I explained that he had chosen the menu himself and was very insistent, he chose foods he knew his friends would enjoy. She kept pushing the issue and I then felt I should explain further and told her that he was currently being assessed for ASD. To which she responded 'Well my child is weird but I wouldn't get her tested'.
AIBU to feel upset by this? Or am I overreacting a bit?
I don't like the use of the word weird. He is not weird, I didn't take him to the Dr because he was weird. He is a little quirky, but I love that about him and wouldn't want him to change. He is awesome. But autism is so much more than being a bit quirky. It's difficult. It's difficult for him and it's difficult for us. It's exhausting. And whilst everyone else's child is enjoying Christmas, mine is under a blanket because there are too many lights and sounds and changes.
I tried to explain some of the issues we face and why it is important he is able to access help. She just proceeded to list all the ways her child was 'weird' and finished every sentence with 'but I wouldn't get her tested'. I stopped the conversation as she obviously didn't understand my point of view. But I feel upset by the whole thing. Do other people share her opinion? Is this a common way of thinking?
I don't think every child who exhibits autistic type behaviour needs 'testing'. If a child is happy, thriving, doing well at school and a bit quirky then great. But if a child is struggling with the daily demands of life then surely as a parent we are duty bound to help.
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AIBU?
My kid is weird, but I wouldn't get her tested...
91 replies
Nimueh · 13/12/2017 16:19
OP posts:
FrancisCrawford ·
13/12/2017 16:23
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
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