Father of a special needs child

[Alleycat72]

I was giving out school supplies to military families today. (About 1000 kids) A mom with several kids came in with a special needs son. He was obviously in sensory overload and mom was having issue taking care of him and her other children. The entire room stopped.  You could see how uncomfortable everyone was and how some disapproved of how mom handled it. I've been in the same situation most of the times I'm in public with my daughter. My daughter is also blind so she tends to get excited easily. I always feel guilty for interrupting someone's night out and putting them in that situation, but I also want to make the most of the time we will have with her. If you see us out, please don't hold your breath. Your child can't catch it. You don't have to feel sorry for us. It's okay to ask questions. I'm not going to freak out. I only break down when I'm alone. I wish I would have hugged that mom and told her it was okay.

 

[Sidecarist]

I know several families with downs or autistic kids. Its not easy for them. I've learned that the best thing is to treat them with simple courtesy and offer to hold the door etc. Acting agitated only makes things worse.

I now have several young friends that are always happy to see me. The love these kids are capable of expressing is the only contagious thing about them!

Their parents are remarkably courageous on a daily basis. It is hard work,  sometimes it isn't pretty. Give them a break and dont make a spectacle of things, again common courtesy goes a looooooong way. 

[A.J. Holst]

Ever great parents, as a rule, are mortified when their kids act out in public.

"That man or woman or ALL those people must think I'm a bad parent."

Ever say to yourself, "if that was MY kid..."

Praise the Lord and prayers of joy for the parents who gracefully and lovingly raise these beautiful children of God.

[Ronald_55]

I also know several families with autistic kids. Others that have kids with diagnosed anxiety disorders. It is as hard of a struggle for the kids as the parents. People just don't realize these kids are not just spoiled like so many others I know.

One long term friend has 1 autistic kid and one very energetic (possibly adhd) kid. She is blind but still works a full time job while not being supported by her ex. At one point she could have made more on disability/welfare than working, but she still chose to work. She is a real hero doing it all herself. I dont think I would have the strength. Taking her kids to school and going to work is a convoluted, slow, and painful series of multiple special transportation bus rides each day. Unfortunately she is too far away to visit often. Seeing peoples reaction to her family in public is just ridiculous. 

[gregintenn]

I like to think there will be a special place in heaven reserved for parents and kids like this.

 

On the other hand, I have no pity nor tolerance for parents of children who've simply not been taught discipline. It usually isn't hard to tell the difference.

Edited July 27, 2019 by gregintenn

[A.J. Holst]

Brothers and Sisters,

Please raise up your hearts and prayers that God would comfort those parents who have a child with special needs die.

Being a primary care given for any family member with a disability of any kind is a sacrifice, and dare I say a burden?

Not in the negative sense, but rather how God defines them.

I don't know how I would handle it.

Despite my ability and willingness to serve, once my service ended, how could I not feel the guilt associated with a sense of freedom?

Lord, please send legions of Angels to protect them from Satan and all of his works!