“quite frankly, I am surprised this doesn’t happen more often.”

By now most people within the autism community have heard of the tragic death of London McCabe. When we hear these stories they break our hearts. And in our anger we voice our disapproval of many things: the "failed" system, the "evil" parent, the "ableist" media etc. I don't address these types of things on my facebook page. I tend to focus on my PSA's, crafts/activities, and funny autism graphics.  But Dee Shepherd-Look's comments changed that.

Shepherd-Look said autistic children can also be “rigid and oppositional.”

~This is true in some cases. I have one of those kids.

“These children are really unable to be in a reciprocal relationship and the moms don’t really experience the love that comes back from a child — the bonding is mitigated,” she told NBC News. “That is one of the most difficult things for mothers.”

~This is also true. It can be more difficult to bond with a child who doesn't want to have much to do with you. But, it's not impossible. Having a sense of humor about it has helped me. 

 After reading these above comments by Dee,  I was reminded how very important it is not to be overly sensitive. You cannot take it personally. 

I commented on my page that the indifference should make you try harder. And that I was going to win my son's love;D But, in the end. It's not about the parents need to feel loved or appreciated. It's about the child.

Some people don't like any of her words. But I have a really kick ass sense of humor. So I could let it go after making the above graphics.


But, her quote that bothered me was the following 

“quite frankly, I am surprised this doesn’t happen more often.”

I know that Dee's comments were in no way meant to cause harm to the community. But, our most respected community members need to be careful about what they are saying. Dee is an educated woman. Things like this should not be coming out of her mouth. She should know better. Especially in a situation like this where she knows it will be seen by millions of people. People outside the community get the impression that our children are impossible to deal with. And that its surprising that we aren't murdering our children at higher rates. And the people within the community see this and think, Lots of people do it....and for a good reasons. Before you know it, this becomes more frequent. And that is something no one wants to see. 

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Rest in Peace sweet London, I am so very sorry that the last moments of your life were spent scared, suffering and confused. You didn't deserve what happened to you.