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15 More Autism Parenting Rules I Live By on a Daily Basis

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Autism is a different journey for every family, but there are some common experiences we may share. Here are some of these experiences illustrated with scenes from some of my favorite movies and TV shows.

In case you missed the rest of the series, check out  Autism Parenting Rules 1 – 10 and Autism Parenting Rules 11 – 20.

Here are rules 21 – 35!

21. You may spend so much time and energy keeping your own child clothed that you overlook your own appearance.

Like going to the store looking like The Dude.


Gramercy Pictures/“The Big Lebowski”

22. When a meltdown is imminent, you may do anything to reduce extra sensory input. 


BBC/“Doctor Who”

23. Casual phone conversations are almost impossible.


BBC/“Doctor Who”

24. You suffer a moment of panic every time you see someone using the front burners on the stove. 

Because yours haven’t been used in years.


Columbia Pictures/“Paul Blart: Mall Cop”

25. Kitchen knives are kept hidden in a locked, secure location at all times.


Marvel Studios/“Deadpool”

26. Privacy in the bathroom does not exist. 

This is true for most parents really!

Warner Bros./”Lethal Weapon 2″

27. Autism parents can sweep a room looking for possible threats better than the Secret Service.


NBC/“The West Wing”

28. The concept of age- and gender-appropriate toys is invalid. 

They like what they like.


NBC/“Chuck”

29. Your child might not like their personal space invaded but has no problem invading anyone else’s.


CBS/“Get Smart”

30. Any assumption others have about your child’s ability is probably wrong.


Marvel/”Spider-Man”

31. If your child wants to wear a costume outside of Halloween, they’re going to wear a costume. 

We choose our battles!


USA Network/“Psych”

32. Running out of your child’s favorite food may lead to disregard of your own physical appearance in the panic of restocking the item to avoid a meltdown.


NBC / “Chuck”

33. Parent may celebrate after their child uses the potty for its intended use. 


ABC / “Castle”

34. Lines happen. 

And don’t even think about moving them.


AMC/“The Walking Dead”

35. Pants are overrated.

If Sam and Dean Winchester aren’t wearing them, who needs to?


CW/“Supernatural”

Read the first two parts of this series:

The 10 Autism Parenting Rules I Live By on a Daily Basis

10 More Autism Parenting Rules I Live By Every Day

Follow this journey at Autism Odysseys.

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Originally published: December 18, 2015
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