As parents of children with special needs, we know how many times we come across those who don't quite understand our little ones. This lack of knowledge leads to several awkward moments during conversations. Here is a list we found online of 7 things we never want to hear.

· "Oh, I'm sorry." Word: Our kids are not tragedies. They are our kids. There's no need to feel sorry about them.

· "You must have it so hard." Please don't feel sorry for me, either. Sure, I've got a lot to juggle: Parenthood is a big job for any mom or dad (in case you didn't get the memo). But I'd prefer if you didn't make it seem as if I'm digging ditches for a living or something. I may have to do extra things for my child, but he is not a hardship.

· "Is he talking/walking/whatever-ing yet?" This is a tough question to hear, as often our kids are not yet doing whatever the asker is inquiring about. The "yet" is the part that makes me cringe, as if my child is on a timeline. There is no What To Expect: Kids With Special Needs edition for a reason. Our kids on their own timeline, and focusing on the finish line isn't the point-it's about the progress they make, every step of the way.

· "It's so cute how he tries to talk/walk/jump/whatever." Awesome effort, yes. Inspiring? Yes. Cute? No. There's nothing cute about seeing a child struggle mightily to surpass his challenges.

· "He looks so normal!" You know why? It's because my child with special needs IS normal. HIS normal. OUR normal. What exactly IS normal, anyway?

· "It's great to see how much he enjoys ice-cream." What does that mean? Is it implying that it's a good thing my son is relishing the Stone Cold Creamery Chocolate because there's little else in life he can enjoy? My child takes pleasure in the same stuff any kid does, from playing with trucks to laughing at Daddy's obnoxiously loud burps.

· "You are a saint." Hardly. I am just like any other parent, trying my best to help my child succeed in this world. For that, I do not deserve sainthood. But if you'd like to buy me a fruity cocktail, I'd be fine with that.

To view the article and other resources at Parents.com, Click here 

 

Seidman, Ellen. "7 Things Not To Say To Parents Of Kids With Special Needs" <http://www.parents.com/blogs/to-the-max/2011/07/21/uncategorized/7-things-not-to-say-to-parents-of-kids-with-special-needs/>.

For years now, there has been an ongoing feud between researchers of the true cause of Autism. Some believe genetics is the true cause, and others believe it is the environment. However, new research by Dr. Martha Herbert, M.D., Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, and Dr. Claudia Miller, M.D., M.S., of the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio claims that "genetics load the gun," but the "environment pulls the trigger."
If your genetics predispose your baby to Autism, many babies are introduced to toxins while in the womb which triggers the onset of Autism. Many moms-to-be do not realize the danger they put themselves in while they are pregnant. There are a few things women can do to help reduce the risk. For example, while getting the nursery ready avoid painting, re-staining furniture, or Scotchguard the couch.

Sincerely,