How do you handle feeling judged when out with SN children

[Stressedoutmummyof3]

I feel so judged and I hate it. Today at the park for example DS started hitting me for non apparent reason (he's non verbal and I think is suffering by being off school). I obviously told him no and took his hands and gently stroked his hands. He did stop but there was a parent with his little boy and he was staring at me.
He didn't say anything but I still felt really uncomfortable.
I know I need to grow a thicker skin (especially when I don't even know what other people are thinking) but I always feel like other parents are watching me thinking I'm a shit parent who can't look after her kids properly.
I don't let it stop me taking DS out as that would obviously be really unfair and DS loves being outside but I still feel so super sensitive.
So tell me how you just ignore the stares and sometimes comments too (luckily I don't get to many of them).

I had counselling long ago, for a different matter but one thing the Therapist said which has always stuck with is “you can’t read minds”.
It is human nature to look but you really don’t know what they’re thinking. If it was me looking over I’d probably be thinking, been there, so glad those days have gone and we’re in a better place.

I think you do probably have to grow that thicker skin

First year or a bit longer I found it hard with our non verbal 5 year old, now I deadpan stare back at them and speak slightly more loudly that I know it's hard that you can't tell mum what's wrong. They usually then look away.

I try to ignore whilst internally reminding myself they haven’t got a clue.

I just think to myself:

”They think they have well behaved children, because they are good parents. They wouldn’t cope any better than me, with a DC with [name disabilities]! Normal strategies for behaviour management just don’t work! DD wouldn’t understand what you are talking about, for a start!”

It’s like being given a child from Mars to bring up. Nobody gave us a handbook on how to do it! We just do our best!