“All kids do that”

“All kids do that”

I’ve had this comment so many times I can’t even count. I know when it’s said, you’re trying to be relatable, but our reality is very different to yours. Your version of a meltdown is so far from ours. You’re so lucky that you haven’t had to witness your toddler unable to breathe because of the anxiety over getting dressed; been hit and kicked because they’re hurt but won’t let you comfort them, or seen your kid with a bust up eye but carry on as normal because they can’t process if they’re in pain or not properly. I hope you don’t see you’re child have seizure from shock, or peel the skin from their fingers, unaware that they’re even doing it. 

I don’t want to offend anyone that has said this to me, I understand all kids have quirks, throw a tantrum from time to time if they can’t have their own way. But when I share about my kids diagnosis and try to explain things that they do and why, please listen. When adults dismiss an autistic’s experience of the world it only divides, it’s part of the problem why so many feel they don’t fit in, struggle so much to get a job and cannot thrive in education. Understand that there is a difference and don’t dismiss it. 

Sarah x