How do you respond to "What is wrong with him?"

[Anonymous]

I hate to say it, but 'Welcome to Metro D.C.' where kids are expected to be cookie-cutter perfect, or else...And as a mom to a special kid, I have had more than one mom (usually is the women) stare at my child--he has low muscle tone and is physically 'awkward', glare at my child, and ask 'What's wrong with him...' As PP's stated, it's up to us to educate these rude parents. You'd think in a fairly well-educated, diverse area like D.C., you wouldn't have such types, but believe me, we do.

[Anonymous]

OP, I would strongly recommend you to not spend any time on developing any negative responses to rude people. Mostly b/c your SON is WATCHING and he wants to see you proud, in control, and not easily ruffled. Why? Because that is how we want our kids to be! He has the potential to be on the defensive for many years to come, but rather than model that, model water off a duck's back. Model true confidence and if someone is REALLY out of line, you can call it what it is...but you are better not dealing with that too much. When in doubt, always kneel down to the child in the situation (of the rude parent) and ask, would you like to learn about my son? Disregard the rude adult, it will shame them more, if they are capable of it.

[Anonymous]

When my son with CP started at his school, I sent an email to all the parents to let them know that the teacher had invited me in to explain to the kids what my son's condition was. I went to his class sat down on the floor with them and spoke to them at their level about his condition. This may not work for everyone. My son does not embarrass easily. He is pretty proud of his walker, so it did not embarrass him. This helps deals with kids who don't understand, but rude parents are another story. I agree that when your son is around or at least when he can hear that you try to respond as positively as possible for his benefit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Or the lest confrontational -- though I think people like that need to be confronted --"This is nothing wrong with him, why do you ask?"

EXACTLY. Except for educators and doctors, you owe no one an explanation about your son. I think I would smile and look at them very innocent and perplexed and just say the above.