Comments on: What Would I Want a Mother of a Typical Needs Child to Know

By: Holly Schwendiman

Holly Schwendiman — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:27:05 +0000

Karen, so nice to *meet* you. I appreciated your comment on my post about fear. I have shared several thoughts on my blog about ADHD as well. It appears we have something in common as mothers. It is an amazing learning curve isn’t it?

Hugs,
Holly

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:04:01 +0000

“understanding the special needs and challenges takes time and work to understand”

I would boil it down to “just be polite”. Being polite means NOT giving some non-verbal and disapproving look, nor asking prying questions. Being polite respects that each parent manages their child to the best of their ability.

Unfortunately, a hyper-awareness of potential child abuse (thank you media-types) has given the public an empowerment-feeling for intervening with parents and children.

I suspect you will be dealing with other person’s responses for the duration of your child’s childhood. Social changes for understanding ‘invisible’ disabilies is not near complete. However, I think you can hope to educate within smaller communities – the businesses you frequent, your child’s school, and your family.

Nice post. I will look for an opportunity to link to it.

By: Jean

Jean — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 01:54:40 +0000

My 3 year old is Autistic. I had a lightbulb moment one day at Target. My son threw a massive 30 minute tantrum on the floor and he was so upset I just didn’t care about anyone else. In that moment all I cared about was me and him.

And another evening at a nighttime care center my son was really out of control. Screaming and crying at the top of his lungs. And the lady behind the counter gave us the most horrid looks you could imagine. Needless to say I grabbed the business card from the counter and sent a nice little letter to the manager.

By: ginabad

ginabad — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:51:53 +0000

Here, here! As the mom of 2 vastly unique LD childrens, I appreciate this post and am linking it on my blog and sending to some very special moms. Thank you!

By: Mommyaulait

Mommyaulait — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:49:14 +0000

I love this. I am called a Helicopter parent. Over protective. Over indulgent..so many ridiculous names by other parents. In the end I’m just trying to help my kid adjust to a world that is different for us. It’s so infuriating. In the end. I have to be true to my son. Listen to him and not others who don’t understand. I don’t have time to explain to every single one of them who decides to judge me and my kids. I have to much living to do with my wonderful kids. Thank you for this post.