When you’re an autism mom, finding another parent who “gets it” is rare. Raising a child with autism comes with its own set of rules, and to someone outside our squad, they may seem a bit unusual.
I get it – my son has autism and sensory processing disorder. Sometimes all the time – my life looks a little different than the “typical mom.” So, I put together this list of Jeff Foxworthy – like “signs” for those times you may feel like you’re the only one who lives this way:)
You May Be An Autism Mom If…
Your idea of self – care is drying your hair.
You can read a room better than an FBI Agent.
You’ve got padlocks, chain locks, and chimes on every door in your home, but your kid still manages to get out every time you go to the bathroom.
You’ve got an entrance & exit strategy for McDonald’s.
You’ve explained “The Autism” to your Aunt Linda 100 times, and she still doesn’t get it.
You took 1,000 pictures of your kid, and every single one is blurry.
You interrupt your sentences with “Wait, Where’s my kid?”
You never pee in public anywhere anymore. There’s no time.
You may be an autism mom if – You’ve “got a guy” at Blue Cross Blue Shield.
You’ve got 1.5 million toys, and your child prefers an extension cord & a coat hanger.
You could wallpaper your home & your mother’s with all of the IEP paperwork you get.
You understand there is no such thing as buying too many Clorox wipes or too much cereal.
You’ve ever hummed the Lil Jon rap classic Get Low as you are cleaning the poop off your, well, windows and walls.
You have a go-to list of – autism squad style super parents to turn to when you need advice (
**Shout Out to Rob @ The Autism Dad & Eileen Shaklee @ Autism With A Side of Fries
You’ve ever pulled a muscle carrying paperwork into an IEP Meeting.
You’ve ever let your child watch YouTube for three hours straight.
You’ve said “Get back here” 65 times today.
You’ve ever legit panicked over a missing iPad.
You’ve ever gotten dizzy from rolling your eyes when other parents talk about how hard homework is.
All of the Favorites in your browser are Acronyms: IEP, SPED, IDEA, UTI
You’ve said “Don’t Poop in the Bathtub” three ten times today.
You’ve ever let your kid run around the house naked.
You understand the difference between vegan & gluten/casein free diets.
You’ve said “Don’t put your wiener there” ten times today.
You’ve ever (almost) cussed someone out on the cereal aisle at Walmart because of how they looked at your child, but realized that’s just their face.
You’ve held it together all day long only to lost your mind when Wendy’s tells you they are cleaning their Frosty machine
You get heart palpitations when you see the school’s number on caller id.
You just wish more people understood.
Are you an “autism mom”?
What did I miss?
Let me know in the comments section below!
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Hi Heather, this is the first time I ever made a comment your blog 26 ways me laugh so much , Thank you needed that so true
I’m concerned my almost 3 yr old has autism. I understand the wipes, cereal, playing with shoestrings and yarn over toys. Any suggestions?
Hi Rana! Since he is younger than 3, you can contact your local Early Intervention Service (EIS) directly & ask for a free evaluation. (This program has 45 days to evaluate your child & if necessary develop a program with your family.) EIS staff are also equipped to evaluate your son’s cognitive, learning, and language skills. Their services vary depending on age-but they can include Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy. We used EIS with my son Nathan while we waited to get in to see a Developmental Pediatrician-which I recommend you do as well. There are often LONG wait lists for these docs-so be prepared for that. Ask if you can be put on a list of names to be called early in case someone cancels!
You could also talk to your pediatrician about your concerns if you haven’t already! There is a screening tool called the M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) that can be given. But-it cannot diagnose-it only screens…The only reason I mention it is because this MAY help you get in sooner with the DEV PED if your pediatrician sees the need.
While you wait for all of these appointments it will be easy to become frustrated! Buy a notepad and write down behaviors you notice about your child to discuss with the specialist.
I really hope I’m answering your question! If I’m WAY OFF BASE let me know & set me straight!
I found out that my almost 3 yr old son has ASD level 2.. We had went thru the EIP as well and he had all 3 therapists and done very well with them. He turned 3 in November and the dr wanted to get him in school asap..He isn’t potty trained and I was worried they wouldn’t accept him but they did. His teacher says he does great even though he’s non verbal. He is a very intelligent young boy and even though I’m scared and nervous I’m also excited to see what the rest the school year will bring..
Hey Kathy! The potty training will come with time-don’t worry about that! I’m so happy that the school accepted him & that you’re getting the right therapy! That’s exactly what you need to do! Hope you have great Christmas!!!
Kathy, I hope all is going great for you and your son!! Our son is not officially dx as ASD, they have in his notes that he “ shows autistic tendencies” hm ok whatever. As for the potty training….we started with potty training when he was around 3. And pretty much gave up. He just wasn’t ready. He pretty much “got” peeing in the toilet/urinal, but as for the other. Nope. We didn’t officially say he was potty trained until he was 8. 8 1/2 to be more precise. That summer before he went back to school we finally Hallelujah! got rid of the pull-ups! Be consistent and be patient. But know that you are DEFINITELY NOT alone. ❤️
great post Thank You For Sharing
Glad you enjoyed it!:)
O this is a Daily struggle with my kids. The other day the school phone I wanted to cry. Then the Princepal just wanted the Occupational therapist’s number. I was so relieved. Some days are more difficult but thanks God my kids are not sick In a Hosp somewhere. Take it day by day. Pray a lot.