I realise I might well be alone in this, but I find it very hard to deal with people's pity when I tell them my son has autism. I know most are just trying to sympathise or be kind, but some have a way of doing it which makes me want to chew my own hand off.
I've put off telling one particular couple about my son's diagnosis because I know their response will be something like this>
"Oh my god, that's awful - I'm so sorry!" and then (turning to look at each other) "God, we're just so blessed aren't we. So so lucky."
I can't really explain why this makes me want to respond with "Oh fuck off. I'm incredibly proud of my son and I wouldn't swap him for yours in a million years." But it does. Lack of strength of character I suppose.
They are coming to my son's birthday party on sunday and the above situation will inevitably come up. Can you give me a quick lesson in character building and some more reasonable responses before then?