10/02/2025
Today, I found myself in a situation that so many parents—especially those of us raising children with autism—have faced. My daughter was riding her bike and enjoying the simple joy of being a kid. She’s still learning how to brake properly, and while she hasn’t hit anyone, I could see that some pedestrians were uneasy about her speed. Then came the inevitable comments—concerned voices, disapproving looks.
And just like that, I felt defensive.
I know my daughter. I know she’s kind, gentle, and full of love. She isn’t reckless—she’s learning. But when people voice their worries, it can sometimes feel less like concern and more like criticism. As if they’re questioning my parenting. As if they see her as a problem rather than a child simply figuring things out.
But here’s what I’m trying SO HARD to remind myself: Most people aren’t attacking me or my daughter. They’re reacting to their own feelings—fear, caution, or maybe just a lack of understanding. Their words may come out harsh, but their intent isn’t always to hurt.
So how do I handle these moments without letting them ruin my day?
1. Pause Before Reacting
It’s easy to jump to defense, but I remind myself to take a breath. My daughter needs me to respond with clarity, not frustration.
2. Acknowledge and Educate (If the Moment Allows)
A simple, calm response like, “I understand your concern. She’s still learning, and I’m working with her on braking safely,” can go a long way. If they seem open, I might also add, “She has mild autism, and these experiences help her learn and grow.”
3. Separate My Emotions from the Situation
Not every comment is meant to be personal. If someone is startled by my daughter’s speed, it doesn’t mean they think she’s a bad child or that I’m a bad parent. They just don’t see the full picture. And that’s okay.
4. Focus on the Bigger Goal
I want my daughter to have the same experiences as any other child. That means she needs to learn—and sometimes, learning happens in real-life situations, not just in controlled environments. She deserves to ride her bike, make mistakes, and improve over time, just like every other kid.
5. Be Kind to Myself
Parenting a child with autism comes with unique challenges, but I refuse to let outside opinions make me doubt my choices. I know my daughter. I know she’s doing her best. And I know that I am too.
To all the parents who have felt this way—you’re not alone. We can’t control how others react, but we can control how we respond. Let’s keep advocating, keep learning, and most importantly, keep letting our children experience the world in all its beauty.
Have you ever been in a similar situation? How do you handle it?