My Son and Autism: Stop Judging Me, Please!

My 2 1/2 year old son, Elijah, was diagnosed with Autism in December of 2006. Since then, I have become a reading maniac and a junior research assistant! I have tried to read every Autism handbook I can get my hands on, watch every documentary featuring families affected by Autism, I've surfed the web for countless hours trying to find information, tips, advice, support, and explanations. But no book, tv show, self-help guide or website efficiently addresses what I have been dealing with a lot lately: judgment from the public.

Autism is a scary, ambiguous diagnosis. It is a disease that affects how one interacts in society, how they interpret what is going on around them, and intensifies their brain filters sound, touch, taste, colors, words, etc. Eli is almost completely non-verbal. He makes sounds and understands most of what is going on around him. However, we do not know how well he understands what we say to him. This makes communication very difficult. We are trying to teach him sign language, and also are using a picture exchange program to communicate. We will use as many avenues as possible to get into his brain to try and turn the talking switch to "on."

But, since Eli can't talk and tell us what he needs or wants, there is much frustration on his part! He throws temper tantrums at the drop of a hat, and it is because he is frustrated and needs a way to get it out. These tantrums are like none other I've ever seen. It is screaming, yelling, banging his head on the floor or against my head, biting, scratching, you name it. I can adjust to the tantrums. I can ignore them. I can realize he is trying to tell me something and try to figure it out. But what I can't do is become accustomed to the judgment and rudeness I experience in society when Eli is having a fit.