My nephew has Autism and sometimes acts up in public because he can't communicate and gets frustraited. How shoudl I handle the hostile stares we get from strangers who thinks he's just a spoiled brat? I've done everything from explaining to being rude.
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ANSWERS: 10
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thosae folks who have a medical issue such as autism, need to be exposed to a variety of social settings. Stares from others is only their lack of understanding and it will be hard on you and the child. When your nephew acts out so to speak, do the best you can do to bring him back under control, and to heck with the others. you are doing great, and continued success to you and your nephew
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in my opinion, you dont need to explain anything to the public. you know whats going on and so do the people in his life and thats all that matters. so when someone looks at you because the child is acting up, give them the eye (or the finger) whichever you prefer and go about your business. dont be ashamed of the kid. he's just a kid.
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Screw the strangers. It's none of their drated business, and they can get over their collective judgmental self. I don't know personally what would be the "best" way to react to others... my method would either be total ignoring, or more likely break out the forked tongue. *shrug* I'm not that nice to rude strangers.
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Don't even notice them. And remember, You would probably do the same if you were in their shoes. They are just ignorant to the facts of the situation. Don't ever think of them as the judges of your sweet, sweet nephew's value. Unfortunately in their hurry to assume too much, they are missing an opportunity to get to know a great family. It is their loss. I am sorry people are so clueless. It is not fair, but if you take responsibility for their point of view you are going to drive yourself crazy making sure everyone's "got it right" all the time. Let it go.
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Just tell the truth. My daughter has a disability too. We've gotten in the habit of just given a concise explanation to people who stare. Usually, it turns them into a friend. A lot of times they aren't really hostile, just concerned and don't know how to ask. The people staring a him may be wondering if you are related and if you are harming him. They may be trying to decide if they should call security. They may not be forming judgement of him at all. A quick statement of "He's my nephew, he has autism and he's frustrated because he can't say what he want's to say." should do it.
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Focus on your nephew and forget about the stares or remarks of others. All the explaining in the world will change nothing except to stress you which your nephew does not need at that moment.
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i've heard of someone putting a t-shirt on the child that says something to the effect, "i'm not bad, i'm autistic" you have my sympathies...
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Ignore people and their stares. Nobody these days seems to be understanding or compassionate, so my suggestion is to focus on your nephew and get to the root of his frustration. Take that extra time to explain things to him, as I am sure you do. As far as people go..... they will get over it!! ;)
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once i was in a store and this small child wouldn't move out of the way, he was just standing there stareing at me. i was in a horrible mood and stared back at him, i know i looked pissed off, the mother quickly took him by the hand and apologized and told me that he had autism and didn't understand that he was in the way.i felt so bad, i just wanted to crawl back under the rock from which i had come from. i'll never forget that.
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Stare Back. If they are to ignorant to understand what your going through why do you care what they think.
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