It feels like that as a parent as well. My kid has been diagnosed with ASD, level 2, nonverbal. This happens every goddamn time at any playground.
Another parent: *says something to my kid*
Me: I’m sorry ma’am but my kid doesn’t talk very well, they have autism
Another parent: *proceeds to address my kid directly* Well that’s OK, you can still listen to me, can’t you?
Me: Uhh no ma’am, that’s not how it works
Another kid: *says something to my kid*
My kid: *doesn’t respond*
Another kid: MOOOOM THIS KID IS IGNORING ME
Me: I’m sorry both y’all but my kid doesn’t talk very well, they have autism
Another parent: Well they can still play silently with the other kids, can’t they?
Me: Uhh no ma’am, that’s not how it works
At times like these I’m reminded of The Joker quote, the worst part of having a mental illness [in this case a neurological condition] is people expect you to behave as if you don’t.
It feels like that as a parent as well. My kid has been diagnosed with ASD, level 2, nonverbal. This happens every goddamn time at any playground.
Another parent: *says something to my kid*
Me: I’m sorry ma’am but my kid doesn’t talk very well, they have autism
Another parent: *proceeds to address my kid directly* Well that’s OK, you can still listen to me, can’t you?
Me: Uhh no ma’am, that’s not how it works
Another kid: *says something to my kid*
My kid: *doesn’t respond*
Another kid: MOOOOM THIS KID IS IGNORING ME
Me: I’m sorry both y’all but my kid doesn’t talk very well, they have autism
Another parent: Well they can still play silently with the other kids, can’t they?
Me: Uhh no ma’am, that’s not how it works
At times like these I’m reminded of The Joker quote, the worst part of having a mental illness [in this case a neurological condition] is people expect you to behave as if you don’t.