Oh, and I’m so behind on commenting. Sorry! Looks like you’re doing just fine without me though. Look at all of your comments! More proof that you are awesome.

In my case, it’s MY mother who is like this. I’ve learned to ignore most of what she says. Partly because I don’t want to deal with it and partly because if I said something, it would be such a zinger (you KNOW me, right?) and I don’t want my kids hearing me say stuff like that to Grandma. It’s just better all around for me to keep my trap shut (hard for me!) for the sake of the kids.

Anyway, to keep the peace, do the “offer to pass along concerns” while at the same time letting her know that according to the pediatrician, she is perfectly normal and on track.

That just wouldn’t be my course of action because if someone opens up a subject like that about MY kids, all bets are off. And luckily, my hubby supports me with that kind of stuff.

Also my now five year old was afraid of my dad for a while (a couple of years ago). There wasn’t a specific incident, he can just be loud and use a stern voice that sh wasn’t used to. We talked about it and he just sort of took it easy and didn’t push things with her and she’s fine with him now. I would definitely get your husband to talk to his father though, you shouldn’t have to do that part.

And finally, Jennifer, I think that Ask Teh Internets is a fabulous blog idea! Love it!

Or she could just take the Valium herself with similar effects?

Sorry. I’m bad at this. I usually say the wrong thing when I get mad at my in-laws and then they get hurt and all “Why doesn’t she like us?” whiney, whiney …

Must. Stop. Now. Feel rant coming on.

At first I didn’t know what to say. Finally, I just asked him, “Do you have a medical degree? No? Then let’s leave her health to the professionals, shall we?”

OK, that might be a little rude for the MIL. I’ve become forward like that. Instead, she could always say, “We’ll ask the pediatrician at the next visit,” then tell her all is well the next time you see her.

But I digress…that’s not advice.

How I, the chickenshit of all chickenshits, deal with my MIL when she gets like this is one of two ways…

1. I have DH speak with them. Things are less offensive when they come from flesh and blood…and after a lifetime of living with them, DH knows better how to say it.

OR

2. I nod and smile. Say, “I’ll keep an eye on it” or “Social issues are only one symptom of autism…but we’ll look into it.” and let it drop. Something that acknowledges it, but is non-commital to the possibility.

But that’s just me

My soapbox!

I swear autism is to this generation what ADD was to the previous generation. The blanket reason for any child that exhibits anything out of the norm at all.

I am the confrontational type. I’d begin to watch the IL’s for odd behaviors, then point out the autism in them.

Haha!