children with chemical embalances and neurological dissorders

Hi, Sparling! Come on over to the autism discussions - boy, can we relate! :-) My daughter used to have meltdowns anytime we tried to take her anywhere. I would just persist and go get done what I needed to do, but my hubby would just put her back in the car and we would go home. He would never have gotten anything done! LOL Anyway, in my research about my daughter's autism (PDD-NOS), I found a handbook for high functioning children with autism at a Barnes and Noble store. The book contained cards called, "Don't look at me that way!" cards for parents. I know how you feel, knowing that people are thinking you're a terrible parent or need to "get control of" or "spank" your child when they have a problem in a store. I learned that with autistic kids, it can also be sensory issues, like lights and sounds, causing meltdowns. The cards state, "My child is on the autistic spectrum. For more information, visit www.austism.org" They are reproducible and are designed to be handed out to those people who like to tell you what to do in those situations but really have no clue that it is not something your child can control. I don't see why you couldn't modify it for your child! Yours could state, "My child has Tourettes Syndrome... " and list a website where the person can learn more about it. Instead of putting up with people staring at you, just smile and hand them a card. End of issue. :-) I have no doubts that you are a terrific mom! You are compassionate and realize that your son is not in control of his behaviours - he's not doing it to annoy anyone, he can't help it! Your support and advocacy for him will help him more than you know! :-)

Hi sparling, I'm so sorry that peole are so awful! Our children are special in so many ways and people inwho judge them have no idea, the sun shines golden for those who can judge, from their perfect lives. I used to worry what people thought and sometimes feel like the worlds worst mum. Restaurants used to terrify me, but now I think I will probably never see these people again so why be stressed and bossy to my boys just for other peoples happiness, ok I'd pull them into line if I had to but I let far more go now than I used to. My 7 year old has Autism (ASD), ADHD, Dyspraxia, nocturnal enuresis (wetting), occassional stress wetting but they now feel the tics - head, hand shaking etc may be self stimulation due to the ASD, so that one is on hold and fingers crossed will stay that way, although there are worse things than tourettes, I'm not worried yet anyway, you are right they are still little why should people hang labels and not give support.

you can't control how society views him or what attention they give him you can give him lots of love and attention yourself, that increases his chances for a happy normal life

I knowing this special great kid understand how wonderful a mom you are!!! both of your boys are smart great kids!! hugs Cheryl

I understand my 4 year old has Epilepsy and possible cerebral palsy. She gets angry easily becasue she can't do what her friends can in school. And in the stores people just look at you like you have no control over your kids and that they are bad. People need to stop I don't want her to grow up thinking she is abnormal.