On Being "Nice"

I've been asked a few times by other moms about what they should tell their kids about Cotton, or autism in general. I REALLY appreciate this question. There are so many people out there, that would rather avoid us, than talk to their kids about how to behave around someone that is different.

The answer, at least in my opinion is easy, and it goes something like this. Cotton has autism, and that makes his brain work in a special way. He talks different, he plays different, and because of this, it is hard for him to play with other kids. It's ok if you do not want to play with Cotton, it's ok if you think what he is doing is weird, it's even ok if you are embarrassed by what he is doing. BUT, you have to be nice to him. Being nice to him means, not laughing at him, or saying mean things to him, or about him. If he does something to bother you, get a parent, don't yell at him like you are a parent, he doesn't understand, and if he does, he is not going to listen to you, because no one likes to be bossed around. Always say hi to him even if he doesn't respond, and always say bye to him, even if it looks like he hasn't noticed you in the least. You will not be rewarded for being nice to someone that is different (although the family will greatly appreciate it), Cotton will not one day accept you and start playing with you, this is all about you being a good person, for no reason at all. Remember, I said his brain works in a special way, and EVERYONE no matter how different knows when they are being treated with respect and dignity.