Autism introduced itself at the store....

[NYSusan]

As a autism mom it is very hard to go out and get the looks, stares, complaints and the questions when you child decides to have a meltdown especially in a crowded store. Well, i had to deal with one of those moments recently.

My hubby, myself and my 3 children went to walmart. Normally i would stay home with gina because she is a big sensory kid, But, this time i wanted to take her out. Gina did great in walmart. we did have some moments, but nothing that we couldnt handle. So, we figured she did great there. lets try her at target. BIG MISTAKE>  We were in the store for maybe 20 minutes. she did fine. we were about to leave and we actually were in process of paying. She suddenly had a meltdown, and at that moment i couldnt figure out what set her off... she dropped on the floor kicking, screaming and with her not being able to tell me what she wants, it is even harder. I tried my best to calm her down. This women comes over to me and says. Please control you kid. her screaming is giving me a headache. I  couldnt believe. it. My 3 year old little girl is lying on the floor, with her hands over her ears and just so confused and scared. and this woman had the nerve to say that to me. I told my husband stay with gina, I got up went to the lady and said to her. Please repeat what you said to me. She did. I was like WTF.... I told her . My angel has autism. she actually said to me "so what". .. I looked at her and said. My advice to you is to take your ass home look up autism, then maybe you will understand what my little girl goes through everyday, that people like you take for granted. oh, by the way it sounds like  you might have autism because you cant stand a screaming child in a crowded store. She just looked at me with her mouth open. Before i left her, I turned to her and said. You just met autism, i am sure you will meet it again. have a nice day.

I had to talk for my child. I usually am not upfront like that. but it just got to me. Autism affects everyone  everywhere. Maybe the next time that women meets a child like gina, she will think before she approaches the parents. You never know who you will meet at the store. She never thought she would meet autism that day.

Autism lost that day, because one more person has awareness.

[AlexnJoesMom]

Feb. 3, 2009 at 9:35 PM

Before I had my own child with autism, I would hear a child having a tantrum (which I know now was a meltdown-there is a difference) and think to myself:  why can't they make that kid be quiet?  Fast forward to now:  I have my own five year old DD with PDD-NOS and sensory issues.  We've had a few meltdowns out in public if it gets too loud.  As she gets older and learns to cope better they are rare.  So sorry this happened to you.  People can be rude and don't think.  I'm ashamed to admit that I sometimes felt the same way before I had my own child-but pleased to say I was never ignorant enough or mean enough to say anything to the parent.  As a parent, its hard enough when you are dealing with it in public, let alone listening to a person tell you that.  Hugs to you from a Mom who understands!

[redtang912]

Feb. 4, 2009 at 7:31 AM

Good for you!!  I had a similiar experience at Burger King.  A woman told me my child was disturbing her meal and if I couldn't control him any better than that, then I should keep him at home.  People can be so cruel!!

[JaxsMommy182]

Feb. 4, 2009 at 12:14 PM

Good for you!  I cannot believe the nerve of some people.  I am glad you stood up for yourself and your family. 

[rychele139]

Feb. 26, 2009 at 8:34 PM

Good for you Susan. The ignorance of people kills me. She's lucky that her and her children are "typical". People just don't understand Autism, and thanks to you, maybe, another person does. Cheers to you!!