Did people act different toward you when you told them about your child?

I'm asking because I told some people I work with about my son's diagnosis recently. I was never hiding it, just didn't bring it up. Like if they asked how the kids were I would just say fine or so and so was sick, etc.

Well I had a meeting to go to for him and took the day off work and someone said hope you're doing something fun and I explained about him. Before I knew it there were a few people there all asking about it and shaking their head. I got many I'm so sorry's.

I get it. It's awkward. Before I had a child diagnosed with autism, I wouldn't have known what to say either. Anyway, later in the day several people stopped by my office to again say how sorry they were. I said thanks but we are going to get him all the help and therapy we can. One lady who was very sweet was asking me a million questions and started crying and said she doesn't know how I handle it and how I'm not falling apart. I said oh I've had my days, but I really don't think have any tears left in me anymore. Seriously, I felt like people looked at me they way they looked at me after my mom died and I came back to work.

It was just uncomfortable. I don't know why. I'm sure in a couple days, it'll be no big deal. Anyone else experience this? I'm not sure if I'm even expressing myself correctly.

Re: Did people act different toward you when you told them about your child?

I've gotten a few "I'm sorry's" after they learned of DS' diagnosis. I think its because they don't know what to say... we are strong mama's that's for sure. We do it because we have to...

Did people act different toward you when you told them about your child?

I got a lot of I'm sorrys too. My response is always "don't be, she's awesome!" People know it's hard on a family and don't know what to say but I'm sorry always rubs me the wrong way even though it shouldn't!

Did people act different toward you when you told them about your child?

I've gotten a lot of "I'm sorry" and my personal favorite "he doesn't act/look autistic". Because suddenly everyone has a degree in special needs.

I don't go out of my way to mention his diagnosis but I don't hide it either. He is who he is and that hasn't ever changed!

Re: Did people act different toward you when you told them about your child?

Did people act different toward you when you told them about your child?

I get the "no, really?" face. I don't broadcast my sons needs but I don't hide them either. But he is difficult to understand for new people and he has behavior problems.