Public Embarrassment Strikes Again…
For those of you who haven’t been reading my blog long…or just plain don’t know, my 11 year old son Parker is Autistic. He is very high functioning and has a lot of personality. He is adjusting to “life” with those of us who are wired differently than him although it has taken a lot of adjustment through the years. To put it lightly, Parker has come a LONG way from the 4-year old who could not speak.
I remember the days of screaming fits (no less than twice a day). We’re talking on the ground screaming, kicking and crying bloody murder style. So, as you can imagine I’ve had my fair share of public embarrassment.
It has been at least a year since I have experienced a “Parker fit” in public. I consider myself and him lucky. These fits used to happen in public when he simply could not communicate his needs in any way possible or in his mind was not going to get what he wanted no matter what he did.
Today was different. Sad. But different.
My husband and I took the kids to the theatre to see “Kung Fu Panda” (cute movie by the way). Parker was amazing, he sat through the entire thing…normally he gets up at least twice because he has to use the bathroom.
All was well until the movie ended. The credits started to roll…my hubby usually likes to sit for a couple minutes and watch the credits, however, my daughter, Izabelle really needed to use the bathroom. Poor Parker was stuck in the middle. Izabelle shoving him forward “I NEED to use the bathroom NOW” and Dad shoving him back the other way “Just a minute” neither Izabelle or my husband were aware of the other. Well, Parker EXPLODED. None of really knew what was going on so my husband got angry at Parker which exasperated the whole situation. Before we knew it EVERYONE was staring at Parker screaming “Don’t TOUCH me Dad” at the top of his lungs. Crying huge crocodile tears. Luckily he can communicate pretty darn well now and was able to tell me that he was being “shoved” from both sides. Urgh! Poor kid. I felt so bad for him. Even though we worked through it and left with Parker calm, I’m sure we had more than a few on-lookers think he was a product of some sort of child abuse with the “Don’t touch me Dad” scene he had made.
Oh well…such is life, right? I look back at the whole situation now and see how much Parker has grown. I am so grateful that he can tell us how he feels now. So grateful that right or wrong he can defend himself. So, so, so very grateful for him. He is such a blessing in my life every day of my life, just as he is. I love him more than words can express.
June 8th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Oh, poor thing – who cares what other people think??!! Anyone with half a brain would know how much you love that little boy and hey, he had a moment – kids WITHOUT autism have them all the time! I am glad you all at least got to enjoy the movie!
Your page with Parker is fabulous – he is such a cutie! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
June 8th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Beautiful Christie, you are such a wonderful mom!!
I mean, I have hissy fits in public at least twice a year and my mom just slaps me around and tells me to grow up! Hehehehe…
June 8th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
AWW.You are such a great mom and I agree don’t worry about what other people think You know where you have come from and the success you have made and this is a teny tiny thing and it’s over now.God Bless You and your Family…Hugs!!
Cecile
June 8th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Yes, that would be embarassing but in the final analysis those people can make gaping judgements all they want it doesn’t change how you and your family feel about Parker.
And, I was crying by the end when you said he calmed down and that the amazing progress he has made.
What a wonderful outlook!
And, hey, thanks for stopping by and commenting! I’ll be back!
June 8th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
My cousin has an autistic son. My sister, before she retired, worked with autistic children. Whether it is autism or some other predicament, people can be unfeeling. I have a large birthmark on the left side of my face. Growing up was painful. It still can be difficult and I am 51. My older brother was a juvenile diabetic and he had caused some scenes in his life. Let the others go!
You are a loving family and know your son. That is all that matters to him.
Cindi
June 8th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
I am in total respect of your great, positive outlook. With the rest of us primed to bitch up a storm about things that aren’t even really PROBLEMS you are an inspiration…
June 9th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Have raised a deaf son (with other issues as well), I can honestly say I know how you feel. I can’t count the times we were stared at when he had a fit in public – not being able to communicate or be understood for whatever reason is frustrating! Whenever we were in public we were stared at simply because we used sign language. But I can honestly say that I doubt any of those people were being judgmental – just shocked or curious. It feels supremely uncomfortable, I know, but consider it an education for others. We got used to it eventually. You and Dan deal with it really well, Christie. Parker’s an awesome kid! (and so is Izabelle – love you girl!).
June 9th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Poor guy!
Way to handle the situation and calm him, though. I know that can be hard sometimes, and it’s great that he can communicate what’s upsetting him.