Often people are unaware of how what they say can unintentionally cause hurt to parents of special needs children. These articles explain how such statements could (and often are) perceived, and offer some suggestions for how to interact with and support special needs families. Most people do want to be kind and considerate, but simply don’t have much experience dealing with disability.
There are also a couple of articles addressing acceptance (as opposed to awareness, as promoted during “Light it up blue” Autism Awareness month), discrimination, and one about church attendance, something that many families with Autism find difficult.
Another not “lighting it up blue”
What not to say to a parent of an Autistic child
What you CAN say to a parent of a child with Autism
Dear People who do not have a child with disabilities
He’s not scary, he’s a little boy
20 things to know about special needs families
10 things to do when you’re having an Autism family over
My son’s disability doesn’t make me a “special kind of person”
10 easy ways to show you are cool with special needs
10 things I wish your kids knew about Autism
What if I told you I am Autistic?
Autism Rights, Ethics and Priorities – John Elder Robison (an Autistic adult who writes very thoughtful and insightful articles)
The day I laughed with a stock boy named Jacob
