You can join in on this great hashtag by searching for #youmightbeanautismparentif in your Twitter search box. If you would like to follow me on Twitter, you can find me @TheJourney_1
(Please note that these are in no particular order and I was not able to find/copy them all. Any tweets that are originally by me are in bold-type. All of the others were by fellow autism-spectrum parents via Twitter. I know that there are likely repeats, but I tried hard to prevent that. Also remember that this is a “Spectrum”. There is a WIDE range of behaviors, characteristics, and issues. Not all of these tweets relate to all of us; but as a community, we can truly understand.)
#youmightbeanautismparentif You grieved for the child you thought you would have, but rejoiced with the one God wanted you to have.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You think a meltdown is something that happens to a child, not a nuclear reactor.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your child goes through stacks of paper drawing and draws the tiniest details that most people would miss.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you’ve adjusted your expectations (in a good way)
#youmightbeanautismparentif you’ve watched every episode of Phineas and Ferb. ur convinced that Ferb is autistic.
#youmightbeanautismparentif No matter how often U watch Stranger Danger shows & discuss- ur child STILL has no concept of it applying to him
#youmightbeanautismparentif your 6 y/o asks you what is autism/aspergers & if he has it & you tell him what an exceptional mind he was given
#youmightbeanautismparentif you wonder why there’s not a what to expect book about autism.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you can spot developmental delays in other children real quick. #memorized stages.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you can always find a way to incorporate ur child’s special interest into any homework assignment.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you got a nextflix account because date night begins after the kids have melatonin.
#youmightbeanautismparentif your kid’s “security blanket” is wearing 1 sock on his left foot and no sock on his right cause its comfy
#youmightbeanautismparentif special ed law gives you comfort
#youmightbeanautismparentif you keep changing the TV to accommodate and avoid a major tantrum…doing that now.
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child showed you the true meaning of: accept me for who I am, not whom you would like me to be
#youmightbeanautismparentif You still buy receiving blankets for your 5 year old to use as ‘chew buddies’ in order for him to fall asleep.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you can’t remember the last time you had a full night sleep or actually ate a whole meal.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you nap in the office ladies room because it’s one of the few places where there’s peace & quiet
#youmightbeanautismparentif it seems like “me time” could pass as a holiday for you.
#youmightbeanautismparentif OMG THE SOCKS “don’t fit”, can’t find, feel weird, smell too clean, OMG THE SOCKS
#youmightbeanautismparentif you consider waking up at 7 am “sleeping in”
#youmightbeanautismparentif you ask your kid a question & instead of an answer ,they ask the question back. #echo
#youmightbeanautismparentif you pick a preseidential candidate based on what he’s doing for autism families.
#youmightbeanautismparentif your kid corrects his Vietnam Veteran grandfather on the types of weapons used during the war…
#youmightbeanautismparentif u say “u catch more flies with honey than u do vinegar” & your kid tells you a fly swatter is more effective.
#youmightbeanautismparentif the “F word” in your house is FLEXIBLE.
#youmightbeanautismparentif the best teacher you’ve ever had is only four years old.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you’re used to more questions than answers.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you lost a bunch of friends bc they don’t even try to understand….
#youmightbeanautismparentif You plead with your child to be allowed to throw away the packaging
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child marks a calendar for when he can play a game again, because he won’t forgive “it” until then…
#youmightbeanautismparentif you think a visual schedule could help your co-workers and you whip one up using boardmaker…
#youmightbeanautismparentif you think a lab coat is a perfectly reasonable birthday present for a 9-year-old…❀
#youmightbeanautismparentif U avoid bringing boxes home, because U KNOW it will become a piece of art or amazing toy-never 2B thrown away…
#youmightbeanautismparentif it’s been years since the diagnosis but you clearly remember the moment you suspected something was wrong.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you actually try to get your toddler to NOT match the color shapes to the right color rods.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You have to explain EVERY step in the process. i.e. 1.raise hand 2.WAIT to be called on 3.answer.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you want to follow everyone who has tweeted this hashtag.
#youmightbeanautismparentif U discover there R previous books in series & have 2 read all in order-including 1’s already read when come 2 em
#youmightbeanautismparentif Spending a day at the pool means literally spending the whole day in there!!
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child would go outside without a coat because they don’t feel the cold
#youmightbeanautismparentif you have been watching “Sesame Street” for the last 14 years.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you pick which birthday parties you go to based on the games they play.
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child will hug a complete stranger b/c Mommy is upset with him…
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child talks like Cookie Monster, with a distinct lack of articles in his speech pattern…
#youmightbeanautismparentif You detest the phrase ‘this too will pass’, because it WILL take forever to pass..and it WILL be back, again.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You don’t even blink an eye when seeing a child twirling and flapping in public
#youmightbeanautismparentif you have a child of talking age but have never heard him/her speak.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you know that a ‘sensory diet’ has nothing to do with food.
#youmightbeanautismparentif your 7 year old has designed 40 different versions of the Dominator from Storm Chasers
#youmightbeanautismparentif You avoid public bathrooms because they are too loud and cause sensory overload.
#youmightbeanautismparentif ur 9 yr old wakes up @ 3 AM to design video games
#youmightbeanautismparentif you know every train line and flight path in the country.
#youmightbeanautismparentif reading everyone’s tweets makes you smile and cry at the truth of them all.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you pour over catalogs, sites and scour stores to find the perfect winter pants that don’t itch, feel funny etc
#youmightbeanautismparentif sleeping in is only a dream.
#youmightbeanautismparentif u hate it when parents of neurotypical kids complain bcuz they talk to much when all you want urs to do is talk
#youmightbeanautismparentif you have to introduce your child by explaining he is the running blur with long curly hair, and no its a boy
#youmightbeanautismparentif You know that rice and crackers are all you’re probably ever going to get into your kid and you no longer care
#youmightbeanautismparentif you go where your child wants 2 go and they have a meltdown when u get there because NOW they changed their mind
#youmightbeanautismparentif you know what PECs are and have a bookmark folder dedicated to them
#youmightbeanautismparentif you’re on twitter following this hashtag instead of watching Real Housewives and your kids are in bed!
#youmightbeanautismparentif someone asks your child about their friends and they start listing off the names of their therapists.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You sing” if you’re happy and you know it *flap* your hands”
#youmightbeanautismparentif you call toys ‘resources’
#youmightbeanautismparentif You’ve got Meltdown Early Warning Radar
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child’s favorite activity at recess is to hang out alone far from the action and just think — makes me cry
#youmightbeanautismparentif you wish everyday you could just have 5 minutes in their head to see the world from their eyes…
#youmightbeanautismparentif You have the strength to move mountains and the patience to wait for them to move themselves.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you know the 4 functions of behavior: escape, attention, access to items/activities & sensory.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you just lived through a mini meltdown because 2 foods were touching. And you got 2 new plates and started fresh.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you have to have an eating utensil for each food for a meal. Cannot use the same spoon for 2 types of foods…
#youmightbeanautismparentif you call your child the stick whisperer because he can find them anywhere, you find them in his pockets.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you have a will and a guardian picked out but know deep down inside you can never ever die”
#youmightbeanautismparentif your teen plays one song 24/7. When you try to turn it off at night it wakes her up.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you know every word to every (fill in the blank) movie ever made.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you understand that EVERYONE has behaviors, and that your child’s are sometimes his only means of communication.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You still think of your 16yo as “The Boy”, when he’s really a young man…then you buy him Muppet stuff he wants
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child has a neurotypical sibling who can give any ABA therapist a run for his money.
#youmightbeanautismparentif ur tired of hearing, from family, that all your child needs is more discipline and spanking
#youmightbeanautismparentif you feel you have excellent A-dar. (picking out other kids with autism)
#youmightbeanautismparentif you have to cut the labels out of all your kids clothes and are over the moon when companies make tagless
#youmightbeanautismparentif You have more people that understand you in other states and countries than in your own neighborhood.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your REAL family & friends are chosen, because your biological ones often don’t get it!”
#youmightbeanautismparentif caffeine and chocolate fuel you, not sleep and a clear mind
#youmightbeanautismparentif other parents don’t “get” why you can’t be as “on the go” as they are b/c your son needs his “home time.”
#youmightbeanautismparentif you can translate what he really means to say instead of what he actually did say.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your 8 yr old has mastered every level of Lego Star Wars but can’t put on his own shirt w/out help.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You’re STILL buying diapers!
#youmightbeanautismparentif you still scan a room like you did when your kids were newborns to find all the possible triggers & danger zones
#youmightbeanautismparentif you secretly want your kid to wear a “I have autism!” t-shirt to shut onlookers up!
#youmightbeanautismparentif it takes your child a week to get back on track after a holiday or too much change to their routine.
#youmightbeanautismparentif …the little things mean everything.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your son asked for Molecular Motion at 5, a Radiometer at 6, and Newton’s Cradle at 7, but can’t tie shoes at 8
#youmightbeanautismparentif You’re used to your child’s forehead or hand extended to you for a kiss…If you get kisses from your child at all
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child speaks to you using bits and pieces of every program or movie he’s ever seen and it makes sense to you
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child needs noise canceling headphones
#youmightbeanautismparentif u think your child’s silly movements are the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, while others stare like he’s an alien!
#youmightbeanautismparentif You say something to your child while looking directly in their eyes & still not know if they fully understand.
#youmightbeanautismparentif U feel U need 2 educate others about the spectrum & why UR child does what he does. He’s not being rude or bad.
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child is a pro at stopping a video on the same exact syllable 63 times in a row
#youmightbeanautismparentif Every activity you do comes with a series of warnings approaching the end of the activity.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you’re happy your kid is just making snow angels on the store floor & not running away or demolishing stuff
#youmightbeanautismparentif you cringe when the school phones
#youmightbeanautismparentif You sometimes have to remind yourself there are a lot worse things that could happen to your child than autism.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your kid found the nifty noise canceling headphones an even bigger sensory nightmare than the noise.
#youmightbeanautismparentif There are three sets of rules on your fridge, including one your child made for the dog. (Rules are important!!)
#youmightbeanautismparentif you get excited when your kid so much as acknowledges another at the park instead of ignoring all the kids.
#youmightbeanautismparentif every time you meet a toddler you immediately look to see if he has joint attention and can point.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you know more about writing an IEP than your Child’s teacher
#youmightbeanautismparentif you know more about your child’s GI system than you’d ever want to admit 🙂
#youmightbeanautismparentif you have a visceral connection like no other with your child and every human heart that helped or smiled at you
#youmightbeanautismparentif you eat dinner in restaurants before 5pm to avoid waiting in line and potential meltdowns.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You’ve ever carried a screaming, flailing child out of a store & you knew it was for the best.
#youmightbeanautismparentif U hear same story word for word over & over for years, because it’s funny…has sense of humor & thinks u don’t
#youmightbeanautismparentif a day with no more than 1 tantrum is nothing short of a miracle.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You are ALWAYS LOOKING FOR ANSWERS!
#youmightbeanautismparentif you know *just* how much silence is too much silence. And then you run to check on them.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you use the phrase “use your words” repeatedly throughout the day
#youmightbeanautismparentif you have a LOVE/HATE relationship with psychotropic meds for children.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Wants 2 hear stories “Again…Again!”- Even tho he has 2 tell U whole thing 2 remind U. Then has U tell again…
#youmightbeanautismparentif you can diagnose who is on the spectrum by just looking at them
#youmightbeanautismparentif You make up songs for almost anything because your kid responds better to it.
#youmightbeanautismparentif …your comfortable with repetitive behavior
#youmightbeanautismparentif you use your son to help you remember the names of everyone in your apartment building.
#youmightbeanautismparentif ur oblivious as ur child hits the repeat button 57 times on the DVD player
#youmightbeanautismparentif …You have become accustomed to the constant glaring
#youmightbeanautismparentif you pin a lot of hope on a playdate going well. —- (then someone else added…) But you bring Tylenol anyway
#youmightbeanautismparentif one moment, you feel completely alone & the next, you’re a part of a large, passionate & supportive community.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your child has 3 time frames – Today, Tomorrow, and Later.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You use the Nintendo or ipod as a muffling device when you know you’re going somewhere overstimulating
#youmightbeanautismparentif People look @ U like UR crazy if can’t see 10yr old son 4 few minutes @ playground-cause might hide if picked on
#youmightbeanautismparentif you told your neighbors that Sundays at 7pm is “clean ears, clip nails” day so they know when to expect screams
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child asks you a question…tells you you’re wrong…gives you the answer they already knew…over & over again!
#youmightbeanautismparentif your kids are always sayin,”That’s not funny mom.” #nosenseofhumor They are so serious!
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your kid has the hardest time telling you the simplest of things, but can turn Legos into amazing things with no plans
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your son is 8 years old but still pees on his pants at least once a week.
#youmightbeanautismparentif U have big collection of rocks w/faces & occasionally take them back out to ditch when pile inside gets 2 big
#youmightbeanautismparentif you can’t stop thinking of #youmightbeanautismparentif ‘s
#youmightbeanautismparentif grandparents think they know best. Ok keep him for one night & I bet you’ll call me before the night is over.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you are still waiting for him to sleep the whole night.
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child’s favorite playground activity at recess is to hang out alone far from all the action and just think.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Strangers look @ you like you’re a bad parent, because they think your child is behaving bad or acting childish
#youmightbeanautismparentif you look at a picture of yourself from 3 years ago & realize… you have aged way more than 3 years.
#youmightbeanautismparentif your life revolves around extreme planning and organization
#youmightbeanautismparentif a light bulb burning out in your house is enough to make the sky fall in.
#youmightbeanautismparentif your 5 y-o refuses to get on the bus bc it’s “not his bus” (reg. bus was in repair-how could he tell?!)
#youmightbeanautismparentif your couch is a trampoline, your hair is a sensory toy, shoes are abandoned in the car, & a rock is the best toy
#youmightbeanautismparentif you think Patrick from SpongeBob have Autism. – Maybe it’s just me.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You celebrate the simple things, like a peaceful car ride or a full night’s sleep.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you wish everyday you could just have 5 minutes in their head to see the world from their eyes…
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your teen is a closet Calliou watcher.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you can’t take a shower because you fear your child will leave the house and wander the neighborhood.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you’ve never heard a more beautiful word than “mom” even if no one but you could understand it.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you are at the drs office and about to have your own meltdown bc ur 8yo is off the wall and people are staring.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your teen’s idea of a fun night out is weighing apples in the produce section while you grocery shop.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you are hiding in your room before 6am whilst your child destroys their room instead of sleeping.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Holland is still beautiful regardless…
#youmightbeanautismparentif the routine 30 min appt. took almost 4 hours, and you both cried.
#youmightbeanautismparentif I’m finding #youmightbeanautismparentif very cathartic after a bad day. 🙂
#youmightbeanautismparentif you have learned to love your child for who they are, rather who they should be. Best lesson ever!
#youmightbeanautismparentif you’ve never physically met some of your most treasured friends #twitter
#youmightbeanautismparentif You think your dog has Aspergers too, because he keeps interrupting your conversation
#youmightbeanautismparentif you’ve heard the words “I just want to die” from your child and it kills you inside
#youmightbeanautismparentif your kid wears gloves in the summer and shorts in the winter. And you wear kid gloves all the time.
#youmightbeanautismparentif ur son has a better organized selection of collectibles than the local hobby shop
#youmightbeanautismparentif you run frantically in search of your child if he’s been quiet for more than 5 minutes.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you have a flapping rock in the back yard.
#youmightbeanautismparentif ur dog sits quiet while ur child barks at people who knock on your door!
#youmightbeanautismparentif Or he yells extremely loud at dog — dog is already done &/or not near as loud.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you know the name of every single Thomas the Train engine.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your child makes up un-funny jokes in an attempt to understand humor, irony, and metaphor – unsuccessfully.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you think that the iPad is the greatest invention ever!
#youmightbeanautismparentif You vacuum while your kid is away, then dragged your feet across the carpet to make the tracks disappear. 🙂
#youmightbeanautismparentif your Aspie gets mad you because you won’t let him finish his homework because you can see he is overwhelmed
#youmightbeanautismparentif all the toys in your house are lined up in neat little rows!! 🙂
#youmightbeanautismparentif … I wish they were still in neat little rows… my son has graduated to neat piles…lol
#youmightbeanautismparentif …lol, yes! My little guy does vertical rows as well, an amazing tower builder! Future architect? 😀
#youmightbeanautismparentif you’re thrilled when your child finally clap and wave, just after her third birthday
#youmightbeanautismparentif you rent reference books for your child. Because that’s their fave type of book.
#youmightbeanautismparentif B4 decide 2go2 a homeschool event, U think of any potential meltdown triggers & never carpool 4 quick escape!
#youmightbeanautismparentif if you can not relate to any of your Facebook friends but can relate to your twitter friends
#youmightbeanautismparentif you feel so relieved that there are babies and toddlers on the plane so your child’s screams won’t stand out.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you can task analyze every event in a given day & provide step by step directions 4 EVERYTHING, with adv warning
#youmightbeanautismparentif you are so happy when your child finally has a friend…just 1 friend.
#youmightbeanautismparentif your purse is full of self stemming quiet time items for your child. Mines full of lanyards.
#youmightbeanautismparentif …you have been BLESSED to LOVE unconditionally
#youmightbeanautismparentif you find yourself writing letters to the future, as if it could answer –
#youmightbeanautismparentif you pray and pray that your little one will call you Momma by the time they turn 3! 🙂
#youmightbeanautismparentif you have to paint the inside of the snap on jeans so its not so scratchy on the belly button.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you buy an outfit and instead of picturing yourself on a date in it, you picture yourself at an IEP meeting
#youmightbeanautismparentif your first instinct in a new environment is to locate all of the breakables and exits
#youmightbeanautismparentif you say…thank God I’m their mother. No one else could possibly do this and stay sane.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you are now an all-star catcher thanks to your little one throwing things at you all day!
#youmightbeanautismparentif you know hundreds of acronyms aside from IEP, ASD, BSP, IDEA, SLP, OT, SPD, PDD-NOS, ABA, PRT, AAC, DDT, PECS
#youmightbeanautismparentif your favorite show is also the Fresh Beat Band.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you’re familiar with ABA, IEP, PECS, SEDU, ECDP, HCWA, SPD, to name a few..
#youmightbeanautismparentif going on vacation is more work than staying home.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you are relieved when your kid doesn’t know they’ve been excluded & sad at the same time.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You see a child breaking down in public and don’t pass judgment on the child… or the parents.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your thrilled when you find out there is another child who thinks and acts like yours!
#youmightbeanautismparentif you stay at a kid’s bday party for an hour with your child and think of it as an achievement.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you plan your week around all the appointments, and decline more play dates than accept because of appointments.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your child is obsessed with Music & Musical Instruments (and can keep a beat, even though he’s deaf)
#youmightbeanautismparentif You have more compassion, patience, love, tolerance, hope, resilience & stamina than u ever thought possible
#youmightbeanautismparentif you speak in acronyms regularly (ASD, SPD, OT, SLP) & have to explain them all to your friends.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you wouldn’t change your child for the world – but want often to change the World for your child !
#youmightbeanautismparentif you sit in your car outside of Best Buy for an hour so he can “just look” and ask other people questions!
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your kid knows more about Apple computers than the average Apple store employee & they know your kid by name.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your child has taught you greater patience, understanding, empathy & compassion than you ever thought possible.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You’re accused of being overly protective of your child, and overly sensitive to popular culture!
#youmightbeanautismparentif you are completely oblivious to the sounds your child is repeating but everyone else around you is going nuts.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You can correctly identify every character from Star Wars
#youmightbeanautismparentif YouTube on a computer is more important than a Television Set
#youmightbeanautismparentif you have to have your child do 5-10 minutes of OT exercises before each school day-and fit in computer time 🙂
#youmightbeanautismparentif Anything “_____tard” is likely to not only offend, but infuriate you!
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child doesn’t have a teacher, they have a team.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you’re just like every other parent except x 10.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you don’t brag about your child’s vocabulary, but their expressive and receptive communication skills.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you are not able to make any concrete plans for anything just about.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you let your kid use technology at a younger age than you might have typically let them.
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your child has been genuinely angry with you for not knowing all the characteristics of a narrow gauge engine.
#youmightbeanautismparentif a day without violence or property destruction is a gift worth a few tears.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you’re eager to share new gains with therapists and with family members.
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child makes list of activities w/check boxes the first time another child ask them to “hang out” at age 16
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your child reads years ahead of age but tantrums years behind
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child explains how a relay satellite works and can draw a schematic drawing at age 6
#youmightbeanautismparentif Your twitter friends understand you and your child better than your local friends and family.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you don’t have any hang-up about leaving a cart of groceries to get your kid out of the store before meltdown.
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child needs noise canceling headphones
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child is never invited to birthday parties – This breaks my heart for my boy. 🙁
#youmightbeanautismparentif You still bear scars from your child’s last 3 meltdowns.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you know what day of the week it is by the professional you have an appointment with
#youmightbeanautismparentif You carry earmuffs and sunglasses in your purse for your child at all times.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you know that 101 Dalmatians = 99 puppies, Pongo + Perdita – not 101 puppies because you’re watched it 101+times
#youmightbeanautismparentif you cut out all the tags from clothes
#youmightbeanautismparentif your child only eats one color food
#youmightbeanautismparentif you need to constantly defend your child’s right to an education
#youmightbeanautismparentif you are happy when your child gets in age appropriate trouble.
#youmightbeanautismparentif You watch a movie via your child mimicking it back at you instead of watching it on TV.
#youmightbeanautismparentif you never just have *A* game plan.
