Feeling rejected?

I’m ashamed to say that last night I sat down and watched the worst trash TV known to man…

Big brother.

There’s something about how mind numbing it is that pulls me back every year. After a long day when I want to just zone out for an hour, I find rubbish like Big Brother ideal.

Anyway, last night there was a task where the group of contestants had to single out one of their fellow housemates to be edited out of the show…

The housemates decided together to choose a women called Stacey. When they told the others, Stacey was immediately removed from everyone in the house and put in the garden till further notice.

Stacey was really upset about this. You could see her taking the whole thing personally and feeling terrible about being rejected.

Because no one wants to feel rejected, do they?

Not in any area of life. Not by friends, partners, employers, banks, not ever!

Rejection doesn’t feel good, period.

And some parents and carers may also feel rejected by their autistic children.

Whether it be because they don’t communicate openly, show affection or play family games.

And this can feel really awful at times.

A lot of the time I see quotes saying things like…

“An autistic child is not ignoring you; they are waiting for you to enter their world.”

And I’m always in two minds about this type of statement. Because although, yes I think it’s important that we as parents and carers have a good understanding of our autistic children and why they think or behave how they do.

But on the other hand, I feel that it’s equally important that autistic children understand how we think or behave so they can thrive in their busy, chaotic, but nevertheless natural everyday environment.

I think it’s all about balance and both parties working hard.

If you find yourself feeling rejected one evening by your child, try taking a look at why they are behaving like this.

For example, if you’re trying to play a game with them but they’re not responding…

Have they just got back from school and need some downtime?

Do they know how to join in the game you’re inviting them to play?

Have you asked them clearly if they’d like to play?

Is this a game they’d enjoy playing?

Answering these questions may help you gain a better understanding and help you find better ways to initiate this next time.

While you’re here…

In my book ‘A Guide To Unlimited Autism Success’ I help parents and carers get the very best from their autistic children.

I share simple and easy to copy strategies that will help your child grow in independence, develop clearer speech, build social skills and manage their anxieties.

Get your copy by clicking here.

Speak with you soon until then,

Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a difference today!

Emma Ottaway