Spinoff to labeling autism

Message edited 8/24/2013 2:59:56 PM.

Re: Spinoff to labeling autism

I can definately see both sides. My daughter had colic from 6 weeks old to 3 months old. She would cry for hours and there was nothing you could do to calm her down. The doctor said she would outgrow it by 3 months and thankfully she did.

I once took her to Target and she started to cry, I got such looks from people like I was abusing her in the aisle or something. So I didn't take her out until she outgrew it because I'm a weenie and couldn't deal with the looks. I can only imagine what your sister must go through.

It's such a tough situation and there's no one right answer. Hopefully with all the attention on autism these days people will be more aware and less judgemental.

Re: Spinoff to labeling autism

I am not in her position either, but I think I would be more taken back if I saw a child wearing a shirt that says " I have autism" than if a child had an outburst in a store. Something about that just doesnt sit right with me. Why does your SIL care what strangers think? I guess it is upsetting to be out and have people staring at you thinking you are either hurting your child or can't control them b/c some people can be so ignorant.

Re: Spinoff to labeling autism

My nephew also has autism so I CANNOT answer this post objectively so I am going to share my feelings . . . I am not saying I am right or wrong but just sharing how I felt when I read your post.

#1 How is that anyone's business? If people have a problem that is their own ignorance. Seriously, when people give us looks in public I NEVER explain "why" he is acting like that. WHo cares? They are the ones that need to get a life. . . and I think it is pretty obvious that he is just not having a tantrum. If someone asks a respectful question I will gladly educate them on the topic of autism. Or if a child asks why he is acting like that I will explain that he sometimes gets frustrated and doesn't know how to communicate.

#2 I feel that is an open invitation to a child molester. . . easy target.

#3 For some reason it made me incredibly sad. I could never put that shirt on my beautiful nephew. He is just a boy - autism is something that he has and why should it define him? Maybe people looking at him won't notice his soulful eyes or his genuine smile if all they see when they look at him is AUTISM.

Re: Spinoff to labeling autism

Message edited 8/24/2013 3:00:21 PM.

Re: Spinoff to labeling autism

Since an opinion is being asked, I am going to offer it. I would never put a t-shirt on a child with a label. I think it adds to a stigma and is counterproductive to the autistic community (parents AND children) as well. People are working so hard to mainstream their children to blend in and be part of a community that once shunned them and separated them from everyone else. I just do not like it.

If this is a safety issue and if the child's behavior is a detriment to their health (and it can be if they thrash around and hurt themselves or others) then perhaps a medic-alert bracelet would be more appropriate so the family and child can have some dignity.

In regard to making a child a target, I personally am 100% against putting names/name tags or any other identifying information on the outside of clothing or bookbags of children. I NEVER put identifying information on my students when we leave the building for outside trips or community walks. When I am responsible for someone else's child, it is my duty and responsibility to keep them as safe as possible. I cannot be sure they will not go with a stranger. They may very well do so.

I can very easily tell the difference between a child with autism having a tantrum and a child who does not have autism having a tantrum. There is an accessibility to language that may be lacking when the child has autism. Then again I am trained so I know well enough to either leave the parent alone, offer help or offer to get help. and again, that would be my suggestion to anyone who sees something like this in public - offer help.