Is it hard for you to be around "typical" children the same age as your SN child?

[Elyssa414]

I thought I was fine. But Elijah's cousin spent the night last night. They were born 3 weeks apart, and are 10 now. And I'm totally in shock- I had NO idea what a 10 year old was like. How independent and grown up.
I am SO proud of Elijah and I'm not sad that I don't have that, just sad for him that he can't do SO MUCH, and just surprised to see how insanely huge the gap really is between my boy and his peers...

[newmommy430]

Somewhat. It's hard when you start comparing. At the same time it can be really helpful for a SN child to be around a child the same age that is NT. I noticed my son will watch NT kids play and then try out things they did later when he is alone.

[willysmama]

yes and no. Willy still has a gap between his peers but he picks up some skills when they play with him so i know it helps him. But i can't stand the noise level that the kids create since willy is generally on the quiet side

[jjamom]

When I have gone with my son's typical class on a field trip, I find certain things hard. It's mostly In the areas I see such a gap (for my son eating is a huge one, so lunch time is probably the hardest part of the day for me). But, at the same time, I have so enjoyed each of those field trips and seeing how much he is truly liked and looked after by his peers, how they genuinely seem to care about him and really like being with him. But yeah, it can be really hard to see the differences, especially the most blatant ones.

[Alikins]

Yes and no. I find it hard to watch Mal try to play with other kids who don't understand why she can't keep up with them and for her to get confused when she tries to talk with them and they don't know how to carry on a conversation with her. But at the same time, I know that in some things (like speech) she is ahead of most kids, so even though it is because of her brain issues and I'm reminded of it, I'm also proud of how well she is doing. Watching her with other kids is also a reminder of how far she has come, too.

[mandee1503]

I have my days. Somedays I'm fine being around other kids the same age, and younger. Other days everytime a kid younger then Jacob does something he can't I get sad. I sometimes cry, and want to know why? Lately the bad days have outnumbered the good.

In the end I'm proud of Jacob for what he has accomplished, and am hoping one day he will be caught up.

[darbyakeep45]

Yes, I've always struggle with this.  Being around other 3.5-4 year olds is very hard for me...heck, being around other 2 year olds is hard for me because Brady can't do most things they do.  I know just how you feel!

[eleven894]

No, never. My children may have an uneven profile when it comes to all the tests by my 20 year old is at University and drives her own car, she is very quiet but that is OK. My younger child is now at specialist boarding school, we were never able to take part in 'family activity' days out as our children are socially very shy due to AS but I still admire them so much for all they have been through and cope with every day, it just is not a level playing field.

[mom18103]

 Honestly yes, especially when there are kids playing he has no one to play with at home so he does not know what it is REALLY like!

[i.heart.myboys]

Yes. I have a lot of friends who had children around the same time as Austin and friends since. It's hard seeing my friends 7 month old crawling around and thinking Austin should be walking now. I know that I'm so happy for my friends success with their children but doesn't hurt any less.

[kittycat813]

yes my kids have cousin months and weeks apart and they are normal and I feel sad for my kids.

My oldest daughter couldn't go on a overnight trip with daisy scouts because troop leader didn't think it was right for her. That made me mad, how dear she judge my child.