VENT - parents w/o SN kids

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The judgement hurts and also I find the lack of curiosity almost as painful. I feel like everyone pretends my DS doesn’t exist or is some alien and they “just can’t imagine” what it’s like for us.

Also difficult is the horror-I’m being literal here-the looks of actual horror from family members when they see our life up close. My DS is multifaceted and human. There are hard things and beautiful things and we love him fiercely. But they can’t put it into context.

Fwiw, as someone on the other side sometimes I don’t know how to acknowledge or ask about it without risking offense, or putting you on the spot if you don’t feel like talking about it. If you start sharing I will absolutely listen and ask follow up questions, but I’m wary of bringing it up myself

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The judgement hurts and also I find the lack of curiosity almost as painful. I feel like everyone pretends my DS doesn’t exist or is some alien and they “just can’t imagine” what it’s like for us.

Also difficult is the horror-I’m being literal here-the looks of actual horror from family members when they see our life up close. My DS is multifaceted and human. There are hard things and beautiful things and we love him fiercely. But they can’t put it into context.

Fwiw, as someone on the other side sometimes I don’t know how to acknowledge or ask about it without risking offense, or putting you on the spot if you don’t feel like talking about it. If you start sharing I will absolutely listen and ask follow up questions, but I’m wary of bringing it up myself

Honestly, a genuine “how are you” or “how is everything with the kids”, coupled with the trust and knowledge that you are actually a supportive person that doesn’t judge and realizes everyone’s path is different, is enough.