Your child can't be autistic because ...

[IDrinkaRum]

Are you talking about the Autism Rocks shirts?

Either those or I found one that reads: "I'm not spoiled, rude, or hyper, I'm autistic" and "Autistic Princess".

[AdminAssistant]

I know it's terrible, and you could have been really hurt, but since you weren't (and I'm glad you weren't), that's really funny.

Oh, trust me, after I licked my wounds - I hurt for a good 3 days over that one and got a very nasty scrape on one arm/elbow, yay scars! - I had a damn good laugh at myself. I was really happy that there wasn't anybody else in the theatre to see it.

[BroomJockey]

ETA: My most recent escapade in stage managing, I walked off the stage. Not fell, walked. Only the ghost lights were on, so it was still pretty dark and walked right off the damn stage and fell 5 feet. *sigh*

I know it's terrible, and you could have been really hurt, but since you weren't (and I'm glad you weren't), that's really funny.

And in full disclosure, I'm 95% sure that not only would I have done it too, I've probably done something similar.

[AdminAssistant]

The few injuries I sustained in my stage career tended to be general stupidity (somebody ignoring the fact that I was working at floor level and kicking an unsecured 2x4 which then hit me in the head, for example).

Uh, yeah, I was eventually consigned to costume/prop strike only in undergrad. Not because of stupidity, but because I am a complete and total clutz. Had a platform fall on my head (nearly went to the ER for that one), nearly had a wall fall on me, alongside other cuts, scrapes, etc.

Yet another reason to love dramaturgy. No strikes.

ETA: My most recent escapade in stage managing, I walked off the stage. Not fell, walked. Only the ghost lights were on, so it was still pretty dark and walked right off the damn stage and fell 5 feet. *sigh*

[Dreamstalker]

That was grade-school. HS and college were a lot more disciplined and I wouldn't dare do anything dumb...well, nothing past the usual post-strike craziness.

The few injuries I sustained in my stage career tended to be general stupidity (somebody ignoring the fact that I was working at floor level and kicking an unsecured 2x4 which then hit me in the head, for example).

[AdminAssistant]

I found especially when running crew that I was slightly quicker on my feet that way...although I never even considered trying it when I was up in the catwalk. That had a possibility of ending badly.

No offense, DS, but I can't believe your crew chief or stage manager didn't tell you to knock that shit off. I would've. Balance and safety trump speed backstage.

[violetyoshi]

Are you talking about the Autism Rocks shirts?

[Dreamstalker]

I never started walking on the balls of my feet until I found out I had a wolf "other"...after that it just seemed more natural to do so (I have yet to master that art when carrying a cup of coffee...probably better for all concerned that I don't ). I found especially when running crew that I was slightly quicker on my feet that way...although I never even considered trying it when I was up in the catwalk. That had a possibility of ending badly.

I have to wonder (this is sad, I know) how many people without autism get those shirts and then act like a jerk when they wear them?

That's what I was thinking too...when TShirtHell was still running they had a few similar shirts. I can't help but wonder how many people bought them solely to justify their acting like an ass.

[violetyoshi]

I don't know ... I feel sometimes like I have to carry around the official letter from her old developmental pediatrician who diagnosed her with autism so people will believe me. Isn't that sad too?

I don't really know anymore. People really can be blind to any situation that is not their own. Maybe, you should consider, what it's like for people who have a child who is visibly noticeable as having Autism. The looks and comments they must get. So, it could be worse.

[IDrinkaRum]

I don't know ... I feel sometimes like I have to carry around the official letter from her old developmental pediatrician who diagnosed her with autism so people will believe me. Isn't that sad too?

[MaggieTheCat]

At Cafepress.com, there are loads of autism t-shirts, mugs, caps, buttons, etc., etc. I can get dealing with Autism and stuff. There are a few shirts that say "I'm not spoiled, rude, hyper, I'm autistic" and other things that explains that the wearer of said shirt is autistic. There are other shirts for adults/parents that read "I <3 my daughter/son/nephew/etc."

That sounds like a good idea, but I have to wonder (this is sad, I know) how many people without autism get those shirts and then act like a jerk when they wear them?

[IDrinkaRum]

Question ...

At Cafepress.com, there are loads of autism t-shirts, mugs, caps, buttons, etc., etc. I can get dealing with Autism and stuff. There are a few shirts that say "I'm not spoiled, rude, hyper, I'm autistic" and other things that explains that the wearer of said shirt is autistic. There are other shirts for adults/parents that read "I <3 my daughter/son/nephew/etc."

Which would be better to buy or should I not buy any? I like to put it out there I have an autistic daughter and I love her and yes, she might be a handful and meltdown because I'm not going to let her play the crane game that is near the check outs at the local K-Mart (not that that happened today or anything ), but it'll give the people pause to understand (just a little) about her.

[IDrinkaRum]

Bah - I crack my knuckles too. My mom is always saying I'm going to get arthiritis. (Hasn't that been debunked like a kabillion years ago? )

I get the feeling sometimes that my ears twitch up to a point on top and the lobes get a little longer. I don't have an animal "other" in me. I think I'm part fae. It's been interesting that since I've been married to Mr. Rum, that part has buried itself deep within and is just now starting to break free again.

[Lace Neil Singer]

I don't do that, but I do walk around barefoot a lot; yup, even in winter. I can't stand wearing socks or slippers inside the house. XD I also stim a bit, tho I manage to tone it down if I'm in public and there's a few annoying habits I have, like cracking my knuckle joints or twiddling my hair.

[IDrinkaRum]

Dreamstalker - walking on the balls of the feet is a common trait among autistic people. My daughter does it constantly. I was talking to the mother of another autistic child who was in the same summer speech camp as Child Rum & she got her son shoe weights to help him learn how to walk "normally" on his feet.

I also believe it's listed as one of the "symptoms" or "things to look for" in determining if your child is autistic.