[qs mom]

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!

[jessnboys]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one with a manipulator that likes to bat his eyes! We have a LOT of behavior issues but you have to look to see the physical limitations M has. When we are out and he's having a hard time in public, it gets really loud and can be scary. When someone stops to watch, I just tell them I'm being a "mean mommy" to my son by not giving in but I'd be happy to talk when things are calmed down. Usually that causes a laugh to other parents and no one wants to wait with a screaming spitting child. A few times, M has stopped his fit and told me that I am not mean, I'm just being responsible. (ahh, almost a breakthrough moment)
good luck!

[Rondidondi]

Eli (legally blind) came back from camp wanting a t-shirt that one of his new friends had.
The t-shirt had a picture of a white cane (used by the blind) and around it, it said, "Close your eyes and then cross the street." He had a huge chuckle. What a fun shirt.
Well, after over an hour of internet searching, of course he didn't ask his friend where he got it from, we have yet to find one. BUT, we had quite a few laughs over some other t-shirts. We simple searched, "disability t-shirts" or "visually impaired t-shirts". He has 11 on his wish list!
Try it with your childs, "specialty", like I said, we had a blast!
I had to come back here and tell you this because one of our favorites is...
Keep Staring....I Might Do A Trick!