*Someone recently said about DS1 (10) "you'd never know he has autism, would you? What's he gifted at?"
I know they meant it kindly but sat there thinking "that's because we've spent ten fucking years of our lives trying to teach him how to hold conversations, use expression, eye contact, to keep hands steady instead of flapping, to litem to instructions, to smile, to find humour, to love music, to work hard at school, to maintain friendships, so take part in sports, to try new foods, to sleep even when he's not remotely tired, to use manners and kindness, to not retaliate when others goad him, to find hobbies he loves. That's his pissing gift. Being like everyone else, but working 100 times harder just to achieve it". Of course, I smiled and explained that not all ASD children are gifted, leaving off the rest of my rant. But how bloody rude people are.*
whooooami this, a 1000 times!!
Tell you what, let's both actually say this next time instead of just thinking it!!
Other than that, there are actually too many to mention.
But here's a few little pearls that are burned into have stuck in my mind: 'Oh it's almost fashionable these days, isn't it?'
(On telling a good friend about DD1s high-functioning autism/Dyspraxia/sensory processing disorder diagnoses.)
And on hearing DD1's admittedly unusual (in this country ) but in no way difficult to pronounce name, 'Oh I'll never be able to remember that, it's far too difficult.'
And then on hearing DD2's name from our other home culture and comparing the two names 'Wow, they're really going to be confused by those two in school.'
Ooh and 'Does your husband mind you've passed on all your dodgy genes then?' (On explaining DD1s disabilities are inheritable).
I could go on.....