The Ten Best Comebacks for Judgmental Remarks About Autism 1. “You should teach your son table manners” said the woman at the adjoining table in a casual restaurant. Comeback: “I couldnt agree more. He even flicked a booger in that dish you just finished eating.” 2. While waiting for their food at the Deli, Sandy finds it impossible to ignore the three women who shamelessly gossip and snicker about her son. Comeback: She pulls out her cell phone and pretends to make a call, slightly turning away as if she doesnt want the women to hear. “Luke, its Sandy . Tell the producer we should move the show to a prime time slot. Ive just got some great hidden footage of three grown woman snickering at Jack. By the way, I got your email and I think Attitudes toward Autism is a great title for the show.” 3. “Whats his problem?” asks a woman with a stroller while watching Dylan spin in circles. “Retarded?” Comeback: “Hes not retarded. Hes got autism. And you know, I couldnt help noticing that your baby keeps touching his toes and then staring at his fingers in the exact same way my son did when he was that age.” 4. “Mrs. Smith,” says the school administrator firmly, “We really cant accommodate your request for a social skills group. And given that your sons language is so poor, it would be of no benefit anyway.” Comeback: “OK. But I see we agree that he needs additional speech therapy.” 5. “You should teach your son to behave” scorned the woman on the beach as she eyed Jordan hovering around her children. Comeback: “Youre right. And you should be careful. I’m not sure if youve heard but theyve just discovered that autism is contagious.” 6. At a large family gathering, Brian is facing sensory overload. He blocks his ears, squeezes his eyes shut, and then suddenly runs from the table. “That child is out of control” retorts a distant elderly relative, “and if he doesnt shape up, somebody is going to stick him in an institution one day.” Comeback: “How ironic! I was just thinking the same thing about you!” 7. While in the clothing store, Joe begins to verbally stim. Its a repetitive, low monotonous hum but it typically calms him down. “You have some nerve allowing your son to disturb the public like that” exclaims a stranger in disdain. Comeback: “Seriously? You mean all this time Ive been completely mistaken about his musical genius?” 8. While standing in line, Zack notices the back pocket of a womans jeans. It’s shiny and full of sequins. Before his mother can stop him, he reaches out to touch it, thereby placing his hand on the womans behind. Reeling around, she exclaims “How dare you? You should teach your son self control.” Comeback: “Im sorry. He just has a thing for very large, round objects.” 9. At a friends BBQ, Jolenes son begins to flap his hands. “What is he doing?” asks the woman sitting next to him. Does he always do that? Comeback: “Does he always do what? Ignore rude comments? I certainly hope so.” Children with autism have no physical distinguishable characteristics. It’s hardly surprising then that many characteristics of autism are associated with poor behavior. Parents who have children with autism face judgment at every turn. They need to develop a thick skin to endure the never ending comments, criticisms and stream of parenting advice that keeps coming their way. While sometimes these remarks are easy to ignore, there are times when your patience level reaches the max! The next time you get to this point; why not try one of these great comebacks on for size? Via @Aspies raising Aspies
Posted on: Fri, 18 Apr 2014 22:35:53 +0000