DEFINATELY. just the other day I had "family" talking about how much time i spend online and i told them it was because i didn't feel like an alien around othere in my situation, they were like, "why would you ever feel different or like an alien?" Oh, what a can of worms I didn't let that open..... I did give a few examples of why and then proceeded to tell them I could go on all day. I simmered on that for a while, that was Easter Sunday and i am still kind of upset behind it. I feel VERY different from other "normal" (is there really a normal?) moms.

Happy to meet you fellow Aliens.  hehe

Life is definitely different when you have a special needs child & it's nice to know there are others who can share how you feel.  Even if it's mostly online. 

Welcome to my planet!!

I never really noticed it before, but a situation arose recently that really brought this home. I am usually pretty good about explaining things when I am not sure someone would understand PT, OT or SLP. But I had no idea that someone would be "offended" by the use of acronyms.

Not having to explain terms & language is what makes our bond as mothers of kids with special needs unique.  We bring one another comfort simply by knowing what the other is talking about.  What a gift!

amen to that! :)

hey janis, it is really funny how many different "explanations" i have for my daughter's special needs.  i feel like i am always trying to put it into words with other moms who don't live in my world.  but interestingly enough, because my daughter is out there in the undiagnosed world, i often times have a harder time explaining to special moms.  they want technical terms and we just don't have many.  

Hi ladies, I am new here but have a 2 year old son with Downs...it is sometimes alien and lonely. People don't understand why you can't always just 'do' what all the other moms/kids are able to do. THey don't understand that our lives revolve around schedule for therapy, dr visits(numerous sometimes) and helping stimulate our children.  I really have tried to not resent other moms if they say something offensive but I feel it is my responsibility to explain that using the word 'retard' makes me uncomfortable and it isn't very kind. Unfortunately they feel like I am 'too sensitive' or going overboard. These are situations when I realize that there are differences. I am sure if they walked in our shoes, they would understand and find words like that offensive as well. Anyways, my child is amazing and the love of my life so I suppose we are the lucky ones.