For my inaugural "what I hate post", I have decided to focus my attention on those professionals that claim to understand Autism... but don't.
Pica is a condition many children have, especially those with Autism. If you work in the field of Autism, and claim to understand what Autism is... don't tell me my child is hungry because she puts stuff in her mouth all the time. That is Pica!!. Don't tell me that my child is hungry because she swallows non-food items, like glue. That is Pica!!! Don't tell me that I am starving my child when she has healthy food available-a-plenty yet is upset because she cannot have what the child next to her is having (junk food). Don't tell me my child is too thin when she is at 50% of both height and weight.. just cause she is not fat like many other children these days. Pica, Pica, Pica!!!!
My Daughters with Autism need to learn that what they chose for lunch (and yes, they chose) is what they need to eat. The professionals involved need to learn that my children are not going to go hungry if they are have to eat an apple instead of pizza. The professionals involved (who, despite my frustration right now, I do think really care about my daughters) need to learn about Autistic symptoms before they judge what they do not have a frickin' clue about. They need to learn that it is not just about the education of the child, but the life needs of the child... that these children-with-autism will most likely have to live with their affliction for the rest of their lives... not just the short amount of time that the professional has to deal with them. Furthermore, the need to understand that the parent, not the professional, will be responsible for that childs care for the rest of their life, not just a short year-or-three of a career.
Look it up.. it's call PICA!!!! It is a real condition. And don't lie to me again.
