My son isn't physically disabled. He appears 'normal' (whatever that is). However he has ADHD and is beyond the energizer bunny.
He spins, dances and moves constantly. He is also sensory delayed, so he makes noises, talks, touches anything stimluating. CONSTANTLY.
I have had people stare, comment, etc. I had one woman ask me if I ever considered medicating him.
When people persistently stare, I just politely ask them if there is something I can help them with.
Q has asked questions about others he sees who are 'different'. However, he is polite. He may ask someone why they have a wheelchair. Then he will tell them that his grandma has one too. Or why they have a hearing aid or sign or have a missing limb.
He's a kid. He ice skates with a group for disabled. So differently abled people are part of his life. He asks why but he doesn't think of the as being different.
We were at McDonald's the other day. A man came in using a power wheel chair. Immediately, Q got up from his chair and told the man that he would move the chair at the table he was approaching so that he could put his wheelchair there. The man declined the offer, stating that the employee from the counter will be along to do it (he's a regular there). He then thanked my son for being so helpful and asked who his mom was. I said that I was his mom and he proceeded to thank me for raising such a good boy and congratulate me on my son.
I think that if the adults take care of letting the kids know that everyone is different, the world will be so much nicer. We'll just raise the kids, and let the rude adults die off!
