Do you ever joke about ASD?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Do you ever joke about ASD?
5
Thu, 05-24-2007 - 9:52pm

I don't want to sound callous because I don't think our kids with ASD should have to put up with teasing in any way. But sometimes I see traits in people, adults, and all I can think is "oh you are so on the spectrum."

So we have this woman in my office who is so resistant to change that she is totally freaking out that we are getting a new copier. I mean really getting snarky and upset about it. Anyway she is on vacation this week and the copier is coming tomorrow and we all think it is better that she won't be around when the transition actually happens.

So I was telling the girls in the office that she is "so on the spectrum" and explained what I meant and we had a chuckle. In my own way I see it as making people more aware of ASD and its symptoms. But I suppose it could be considered in bad taste.

What do you think?

Oh and btw, we took Tom to the amusement park for his birthday and I had printed up some of those cards to give to people to help explain his behavior just in case...and we didn't even need them. He did great. I was so proud of him.

Heather

                                

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2003
Thu, 05-24-2007 - 10:25pm

While I will admit to sometimes making jokes about it, it's never in what I would call "mixed company". If it's my hubby, or another spectrum mom, or at the very least, somebody who's extremely familiar with ASD, then yes. (In fact, I think that sometimes we laugh to keep ourselves from crying.) But I'd be careful with the co-workers. You wouldn't want it getting back to the gal who is doing the "freakin' out". Especially since so many people are still very ignorant about the disorder, calling it a disease, etc. The politics of the workplace is difficult in the best of situations...but making what many would consider to be an inside joke out of a co-worker can be risky business.

Just my 2 cents- take it for what it's worth.

Amy

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-28-2007
Thu, 05-24-2007 - 10:39pm

I'd have to agree with Amy. I will goof around with other spectrum Mom's and dh, even my Mum, but I have learned I have to be verycareful around co-workers and random neighbors,...it's just burned me in the past.


Dee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 05-24-2007 - 10:46pm

Oh, I totally see what you are saying. And in most cases I would agree with you. But I feel pretty secure in this instance. My co-workers all know about Tom and his disorder (we have a very small office) and they are very supportive of me.

Thanks.

Heather

                                

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2006
Thu, 05-24-2007 - 10:59pm

Me and DH make "spectrum" jokes about us to each other but NEVER in mixed company.
I might throw one at my dad but that's as far as it goes.
I laugh at the twisted humor that only an ASD mom would understand.
I understand what you mean about people and their demenor (heck I do it in public)
Once you enter this way of life, it's hard not to look and see.......

Nora

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-2006
Thu, 05-24-2007 - 11:02pm

I think its normal to crack a few jokes here or there, in a safe enviroment. WE NEED to laugh you know? It helps us out during difficult times, and its important.

Heck with my son who has tourettes, we laugh quite a bit. I mean my ped cracked up when I told her the last time we left her office, Nic and I were walking by a little old lady and he said in a very rapid and intense motion {F-U, F-U). I just went OMG and hurried him out the door LOL. I mean sometimes its funny, just cuz you find yourself in the oddest position, that if you don't laugh you will cry.

Lainie