My local branch of the National Autistic Society were holding a daytime support group for new parents in a local child friendly pub.
I am new to all this and close to the edge most days so decide to go.
A bunch of women look at me from the bar as I walk in and then make their way to a table without acknowledging me. One woman is left there and looks at me. I said "are you X" . "Yes" she says then looks at me and then says "you've bought children. We don't bring children". I said "Shall I go then?" to which she says nothing and I turn and leave in tears feeling like shit.
AIBU to think that during a daytime group they wouldn't mind if I took children? I had taken toys, they would've been no bother.
It has now completely put me off anything like that 
Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.
SN children
Just been to THE most unsupportive support group EVER!!!
Willmouse · 10/10/2012 13:03
That's absolutely unacceptable behaviour.
I have always found members of the NAS quite aloof but suspected that had something to do with the particular charity they were representing 
.
No need for blatant rudeness though.
I am over it now.
I have better things to do on a Wednesday morning than sit in a pub with a bunch of po faced women.
There is another local group I can try.
I am so glad that I have Mumsnet for support 
Early on, I sought out support groups, now I avoid them. I have found that, in many cases, the support groups are not populated by those seeking or offering support, but instead, by braggarts.
When you go to Mums & Tots for typically developing kids, all you hear is what exceptional things all the little perfect angels are doing, but in the SN groups, it seems to be a competition about whose child is sickest, most disabled, most involved, most difficult, or what mum is struggling the most, poorest, in greatest crisis (or, it is just a bitchfest about medical care or schools). While dd was inpatient, I turned down 4 "parent social hours" in a row - finally, at the 4th, the co-ordinator asked why. I told her honestly - I am sure she regretted asking.
Not my cuppa... I would rather hang around with the ladies here who "get it", support or are supported as the need arises, and don't need to compete.
Plus... we have 
Are you in Herts???
There is a support group that every professional I come across recommends. I have been once, it was the most depressing clicky group I have ever been too
Oh poor you, that sounds shit. Never understand how grown women (and men too, but generally women) can behave like this. I would definitely consider sending feedback to the NAS about this.
appropriately Champions and Ambassadors. Jeez. Perhaps I should put forward our school's autism support person who I might take more seriously if she ever came up with anything other than now and next boards has introduced herself as "the autism guru" 
Of course there's always the MNSN Friday Night chocolate and wine support group. Now that's definitely worth bothering with. 
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
Thank you for all your lovely replies.
I will drop by on Friday night
The more I read about nas groups the more I am glad I haven't driven the 15 miles to the not so local "local" branch drop in. You have just saved me the fuel going to this months too
maybe that's why I can't find a single mum with children with sn because they have gone to these meetings and decided to become recluse!
Stick around with us mad lot you will have fun and friends :)
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