I had an experience this morning that is bothering me and I'm writing about it as I'm processing it so please forgive me if all my thoughts are not perfectly formed.

I made the mistake of commenting on a public post. The post was on the Autism Speaks facebook page and it featured the newest Seasame Street cast member. Julia is the first character on Seasame Street to have Autism. I think this is great, and very sweet that it will give children a window into the lives of their classmates and friends who are on the spectrum.

My comment was "Julia should be looking off towards the middle distance. I can never get my daughter to look at the camera." A response came quickly after I posted it. "My daughter looks at the camera, Haven't you heard if you met one child with autism you have met one child with autism".

I don't know the woman who replied to my comment. I apologized if my comment offended her and she replied chastizing me for my stereotype. My question to you the reader is this. Is it a stereotype, if it is your own personal experience? Also, is this truly the best way to be an advocate for our children? To jump on the slightest offense, and to belittle those who don't match up with our exact view point? I was turned off by her response, and seeing the likes tacked on to her comment adds to my frustration. It's a community that I am part of and rather than having a dialogue where we can connect in a human way, she just had to put me in my place.

I have tried to be honest in my blogs. I try not to make Mia and I out to be extraordinary in any way. I wan't to connect with other parents,who struggle with the obstacles that we are presented with. I want to meet on common ground, and have an open dialogue. Have people forgotten how to talk without being condescending?

I accept that to call my comment a joke would be a stretch, even saying it was funny isn't accurate. It was more my own experience, looking to share a connection with other parents on the comment boards. I won't be making that mistake again.