My husband just returned from Mills Branch park a little while ago with our son who is 6 and autistic. He was a little down, apparently other kids were looking at our son like he was an alien. See our son LOVES to go up to others and say hello, and he says it over and over again non stop. Social skills are so hard for autistic kids to learn, but he sure is trying his hardest. Yet some children seemed upset, some parents did not quite understand and my husband found himself saying over and over again "sorry my son is autistic, he is learning to interact. One little boy told his mom that my son was following him saying hello, it was not my sons intention to follow the little boy, and my husband quickly asked my son to move on to another part of the park.

Can you do me a huge favor tonight? if you have small children, or older children could you talk to them? Could you explain that some children have difficulty speaking, interacting or making friends? Can you explain that just because they are not able it does not mean they are any less human. Instead teach them that by saying hi back, or simply smiling, they are helping children with disabilities learn. Teach them that these children are trying their hardest putting all fears aside to try and play.

If you are an adult and a child with obvious delays approaches you or says hi, how about you say hi back, or ask them for a high five. It would make their day to have somebody respond back.

This is just a small request from a mom and dad. Have a great night everyone!! 

Awe, that is so sad to me. What happened to the days when people's first reaction to a child, ANY child, was kindness?

Give your son a big, huge hug from me! 

I certainly will, thank you! I just want parents to know that educating their children about special needs children is so important. Kids can help other kids in wonderful ways. 

People suck. I distrust most adults until proven otherwise, but seriously? A six year old? Especially one who is autistic? 

I know Fab, I have found some great folks out there, but other just feel like they dont know what to say. 

I am so sorry that happened. My best friend has an autistic little boy who is severe with little language and I have witnessed cruelty. It breaks my heart. I taught special Ed for a few years and had two autistic kids and I just adored them. We do playdates with my friends son because I want my child to be very accepting of others and he loves playing with his little buddy. 

A lot of ignorance comes from the parents, sadly. I think there is a lack of compassion in life period. Thankfully I raised my kids differently. You wouldn't see mine treating yours any different :)

Chin up. And raise that baby :) 

There is no reason whatsoever for you or your husband to apologize because of your son being special needs. Count everything a blessing no matter how hard it is. I am sorry you had to go through that. I will make sure to teach mine to be kind and go that extra effort. All children are a blessing. Do not apologize. That little boy is yours, be proud of who he is. 

I'm sorry that your husband had to preface his comment with "I'm sorry..."
He has nothing to apologize for.

My toddler who is not autistic is quite inquisitive and verbal and a lot of times asks questions that make me a little embarrassed because people might be uncomfortable. But I'm mindful that she is harmless in her curiosity.

Sounds like you have a sweet little boy who just wants to make friends. 

Mto3kiddos......

I sent you a PM. 

You are all so wonderful. My husband and I read each reply and can't thank you enough. OL AG 89 I just responded, THANK YOU!!!!!!

We appreciate you all more than you know! 

That is so disappointing to read. I see special needs children quite often in our community and they brighten my day. It seems it should not been necessary for your husband to say anything at all, but I understand why he did.

As if being told hello is anything wrong in the first place, even if it was over and over again. The parents should be setting the example for their children and they just missed a wonderful opportunity to help their children see that this is a wonderful and diverse world.