I have name changed! Firstly, apologises for the long post. We have just returned early from a trip to visit my mum. She lives far away so we only normally go once a year. We have three children, one with ASD aged 7 . During our time there I was not feeling great so forgot to tell our son what was happening each day and took my eye off the ball. On our second day he had a huge meltdown. I handled it very badly. I did not take him away from everyone and everyone was trying to restrain him and shout at him. He hit, spat, pulled hair etc. I eventually told everyone to leave me alone with him and calmed him down but the meltdown lasted well over an hour. It turned out he had been anxious because my mum was going out for a few hours and he had not wanted her to go. My Mum said she had never witnessed anything like it before. She believed because he had fleeting moments where he was calm she believes he was just having a tantrum. She suffers from high blood pressure so I decided we just needed to go. Following on from the meltdown he eventually returned to his adorable, affectionate self but I just feel my mum does not like him. Her perception of autism is what she has seen on the TV and because he is so bright and articulate I honestly think she believes he will outgrow it!!! He also hates walking so at times my husband will put him on his shoulders. He loves parks and playing but generally walking for walking sake is something he does not like. She believes we give into him to easily. I also slept in his room as he is extremely sensitive to unfamiliar noises, different bedding, pictures etc. I don't think she got this either. At home I do not sleep in his room but to be honest if he needed me to I would. She has suggested next time I visit we stay in a cottage! How can I help her understand him?