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A mum of children with autism shares a heartfelt message after she was criticised for her parenting because her children were ‘rude’ at a Queensland Coles.

Katie Maree took to Facebook’s Sunshine Coast community forum after the incident at Coolum Beach left her furious.

“Dear lady at Coles Coolum,” she wrote.

“Yes, my children were rude and using revolting language.

“I apologised to you twice but in your ignorance you chose to have a go at me about my children’s behaviour.

She went on to explain that while her children “looked normal” they were “far from that”.

“You can’t see autism like you can see chicken pox,” she continued.

“Every day is a struggle for my children, my family, my whole community and it is so disappointing that someone like you can just so easily make it that much harder.

“My kids didn’t choose to be this way. They didn’t ask to be born with autism. They truly are great kids.”

The mother explained that what the woman saw was her children on “a bad day”.

She asked the woman to take the time to educate herself on autism and suggested trying “a bit of empathy”.

“I’m trying so hard to help my kids. Next time you feel the need to have a go at someone about their kids, how about you stop and ask: ‘Are you ok?’”

katie-maree

Her post has received some great support from fellow parents.

Share your comments below.

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  • Good on this mum, I totally agree !

    Reply

  • I agree, it is very difficult when your children are affected by things others can’t see. I read somewhere about a mother who had printed up business card size information cards which read something along the lines of “my children have autism and so can exhibit these behaviours which can be beyond their control because of X Y Z.” Still, a bit sad for this mother and sad for mothers who feel they need to do this.

    Reply

  • It can be very hard to know whether or not to offer help. I have been abused and been embarrassed for offering to help.

    Reply

  • Good on her, unfortunately ignorance will always show its ugly face but we really need to learn to empathise rather than criticise.

    Reply

  • It sure is challenging being a parent of children with autism. I applaud this mother for not having a complete melt down in this situation

    Reply

  • I can’t even imagine how bad this woman must have felt. Good on her for speaking up!!

    Reply

  • Good on her for speaking out and getting the message across.

    Reply

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