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The 10 best Comebacks for Judgmental remarks about your child with autism

Children with autism have no physical distinguishable characteristics. It’s hardly surprising then that

many characteristics of autism are associated with poor behavior. Parents who have children with

autism face judgment at every turn. They need to develop a thick skin to endure the never ending

comments, criticisms and stream of parenting advice that keeps coming their way. While sometimes

these remarks are easy to ignore, there are times when your patience level reaches the max! The

next time you get to this point; why not try one of these great comebacks on for size?

The Ten Best Comebacks for Judgmental Remarks About Autism

1. “You should teach your son table manners” said the woman at the adjoining table in a casual

restaurant.

Comeback: “I couldn't agree more. He even flicked a booger in that dish you just finished

eating.”

2. While waiting for their food at the Deli, Sandy finds it impossible to ignore the three women who

shamelessly gossip and snicker about her son.

Comeback: She pulls out her cell phone and pretends to make a call, slightly turning away as if

she doesn't want the women to hear. “Luke, it's Sandy. Tell the producer we should move the

show to a prime time slot. I've just got some great hidden footage of three grown woman

snickering at Jack. By the way, I got your email and I think 'Attitudes toward Autism' is a great

title for the show.”

3. “What's his problem?” asks a woman with a stroller while watching Dylan spin in circles.

“Retarded?”

Comeback: “He's not retarded. He's got autism. And you know, I couldn't help noticing that

your baby keeps touching his toes and then staring at his fingers in the exact same way my son

did when he was that age.”

4. “Mrs. Smith,” says the school administrator firmly, “We really can't accommodate your request

for a social skills group. And given that your son's language is so poor, it would be of no benefit

anyway.”

Comeback: “OK. But I see we agree that he needs additional speech therapy.”

5. “You should teach your son to behave” scorned the woman on the beach as she eyed Jordan

hovering around her children.

Comeback: “You're right. And you should be careful. I’m not sure if you've heard but they've

just discovered that autism is contagious.”

6. At a large family gathering, Brian is facing sensory overload. He blocks his ears, squeezes his

eyes shut, and then suddenly runs from the table.

“That child is out of control” retorts a distant elderly relative, “and if he doesn't shape up,

somebody is going to stick him in an institution one day.”

Comeback: “How ironic! I was just thinking the same thing about you!”

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7. While in the clothing store, Joe begins to verbally stim. It's a repetitive, low monotonous hum

but it typically calms him down.

“You have some nerve allowing your son to disturb the public like that” exclaims a stranger in

disdain.

Comeback: “Seriously? You mean all this time I've been completely mistaken about his musical

genius?”

8. While standing in line, Zack notices the back pocket of a woman's jeans. It’s shiny and full of

sequins. Before his mother can stop him, he reaches out to touch it, thereby placing his hand on

the woman's behind.

Reeling around, she exclaims “How dare you? You should teach your son self control.”

Comeback: “I'm sorry. He just has a thing for very large, round objects.”

9. At a friend's BBQ, Jolene's son begins to flap his hands. “What is he doing?” asks the woman

sitting next to him. Does he always do that?

Comeback: “Does he always do what? Ignore rude comments? I certainly hope so.”

10. “If I worked for social services I'd take your child away from you right now”, reprimands the

woman in the supermarket line.

Comeback: “My son has severe autism, and judging by your tolerance level, it'd take you about

one hour before you'd give him right back.”

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By Jené Aviram

This article is property of and copyright © 2003-2011 Jené Aviram of Natural Learning Concepts. Reference of this article may

only be included in your documentation provided that reference is made to the owner - Jené Aviram and a reference to this

site http://www.nlconcepts.com

Jené is an accomplished author and developer of education materials for children with autism and special needs. She is a co-

founder of Natural Learning Concepts, a leading manufacturer for special education materials and autism products. Visit the

Natural Learning Concepts website at http://www.nlconcepts.com or call (800) 823-3430