I always write and speak from personal experience.  My son was like all other children; his behavior defined him.  If you have a special needs child, a child on the spectrum, or a child without a disability, your child is likely to be judged.  

My son was sweet but persistent in his quirks or “tics.”  These tics made him stand out. What are tics?  I don’t have to explain this to parents of special needs children.  Tics are involuntary movements, sounds, sudden movements, or twitches that children and adults repeatedly do. 

You don’t have to have a disability for tics to occur.  

My son had to touch everything, and no correcting changed his behavior.  This caused quite a stir among teachers, older adult relatives, and store owners, to mention a few.  I think this is where the saying, “Patience is a virtue,” came from, parents of special needs children.  It does take so much patience to raise all children.  Tics are an added challenge because the repetitive movement or sounds draws attention to the child. 

This is why I believe “there is no normal.” Imagine if we looked at every human as having special needs. There would be no surprise if movements or sounds became suddenly disruptive.  Your first thought could be…oh special needs child.  And not, “Can’t that mother get her child under control?”  Give it a try, then ask the mother if she needs help.  My reply was, “My child is on the spectrum. He has autism. Thank you for asking.”  

Thank you for reading.