Kids called DS a weirdo

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry to hear that it happened to you, OP. If my kid did anything like that, I'd very much appreciate that you told me about it so I can make a lesson out of it. I understand some parents are sensitive and protective of their little do-no-wrong angels, so the best way would probably be to introduce yourselves to the families and let them get to know you and your child.

+100

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You already DID say something. You want to beat the horse?

Who are you?

Yes, OP you did the right thing at the time. Yes, these kids will probably keep saying mean comments to your kid and others.

I doubt if saying anything to the parents will change the snotty behavior. Doesn't make the kids bad and they're not necessarily copying their parents, but there's zero reason for them to care or change their behavior.

I disagree. I don't know how old these kids are but they may just not yet get it. A few years ago when I was picking up my younger son from preschool I saw two 4th grade boys mock a 2nd grader behind his back. I knew the 2nd grader had autism, and he was talking to himself and waving his fingers in front of his face. The older boys were whispering "Psycho!" and laughing. One of them was the son of my son's preschool teacher. I told her exactly what I saw and also that I thought the boys were making fun of something they didn't understand not realizing the boy was disabled. I am 100% sure she had a behavior-changing talk with her son that night. I also got to know the older boy years later when he became my older son's friend. Really, really nice kid. I cannot imagine this older and wiser version of him mocking a person with disabilities.

So, nice kids say dumb things. And nice kids will try to do better the next time if told. If there is a way for you to say something to the parents without any of the kids present I would try that, and also try presenting it in a benefit of a doubt way "He called my son weirdo and it bothered me because my son has autism. Perhaps your son doesn't know that and has questions about why my son seems different sometimes." Or whatever.

Im so sorry this happened, OP. That sort of thing is like a punch to the gut. I think the script PP gave you above it pretty close to perfect if you do decide to talk with the parents.

[Anonymous]

Kids can be very cruel to other children who they perceive as different. I agree with another who posted that if you observe this happening again with the these boys, definitely talk to their parents. However, I would also talk to your son's teacher and ask his about what he is observing happening in his class regarding your son and the other students. If there is a problem, then it should be addressed.

As a parent of a child with ASD I have learned the importance of being an advocate to my child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry to hear that it happened to you, OP. If my kid did anything like that, I'd very much appreciate that you told me about it so I can make a lesson out of it. I understand some parents are sensitive and protective of their little do-no-wrong angels, so the best way would probably be to introduce yourselves to the families and let them get to know you and your child.

+100

PLEASE talk to the parents. I would want to know and stop this behavior before my child learns it is "okay." I think most parents are good people and they want their kids to grow up to be good people. If the parents are jerks then you've learned something. But I'm guessing they won't be.