We know that Autism is infinitely different between individuals and families. However, there are commonalities that we may share and that is the basis behind this list. The term “rule” is meant very loosely, like as in there really aren’t any! I live this on a daily basis with my 4 kids (11 year old identical twin boys, 8 year old daughter and 13 year old daughter.

In addition to being a mom; I’m also a wife and a follower of fandoms and fan of the 1980’s. Let the crossovers begin!
1. The first rule of Autism is to talk about Autism. I’ve been talking about it for 9 years now and don’t plan to stop! 

2. Never run out of your childs favorite food – If you ever have, you know why this is important. You might find yourself heading to the store at an inopportune time in an attempt to quell the meltdown that ensued after the oversight was discovered.

3. Don’t switch to decaf coffee or run out of coffee. Why? Because we are tired! For those who don’t consume caffeine- how do you not?

4. Fortunately,  my kids were minimal in their disregard to pants. In fact, one of my twins used to get really upset if his brother wasn’t wearing a shirt. I know many households can relate to Wayne s no-pants revolution.

5. Driving with my kids is always entertaining! I have learned to expect the unexpected such as drinks spilled, throwing items, bickering  etc. I really want the newer Toyota Sienna van that has the microphone so you can yell at the backseat passengers. That would be awesome (Morgan Freeman? Well, maybe it would lend itself to actual adult conversation)

6. On a more serious note, NEVER let anyone question your childs intelligence. Standardized testing is not a true reflection of what they know. One of my sons teachers last year said to me “If I didn’t have R in class, I would have never known how smart he was”. This teacher took the time to see past the defiant behavior about writing and allowed him to type his answers. It was excellent.

7. Don’t believe everything you read about autism – especially the fragmented splinter studies that are published weekly that don’t take into account the big picture. The look on The Hoff’s face says it all.

8. Don’t forget the iPad or the charger! I think we all know what happens if you do.

9. For the first year and a half, I was repeatedly told that my twins delayed milestones were because they were twins, they were preemies, they were boys etc. I knew something was amiss, but I listened to the doctors excuses. I do not hesitate to question them now. On a side note, look how young Nick Nolte was! 

10. You can’t just “get” a babysitter – and if you do find one, you may do anything to have them come back! 

Hopefully, you were able to relate to some of these? Be on the lookout for the next 10 rules!