Originally posted by saymama
oh, and I can't really predict as to when he's going to "use his voice". He doesn't scream and keep screaming non stop. More like just happy yelling. I never ever tell him to stop and don't intend to know. I do ask him to whisper, but I've put too much money and effort into speech therapy for him to think that using his voice is bad. Sorry, but it ain't gonna happen. and if someone where to tell him to be quiet, let's just say that it wouldn't be a very magical moment for them. I am attempting to prevent this by asking advice here and planning a bit. Hopefully he'll do okay and I'm just overworrying like always.
You came here asking advice, but unfortunately you are not real happy with the responses. Your situation is a difficult one, as only you can fully understand. I don't understand that you would "never tell him to stop." I realize that he may continue the noise, but people are more understanding if they see a parent at least attempting to make things better. If you show some compassion for others around you, they may not be so tempted to tell him to be quiet. Please don't go into your vacation with the attitude that it is the other guest's tough luck if they are seated near him. It is their vacation too. Yes, you spent a lot of money on speech therapy, and I am sure you will be spending a lot more money on other issues as well throughout his lifetime. Those of us with children with disabilities are well aware of the financial stress a disability can cause. Because of that, you should have empathy to other vacationers who may have the same medical expenses and life-stress situations as you.
We have had a horrible 5 years with one child being diagnosed with a disability, then having the second child diagnosed 2 years ago. Monthly prescriptions, specialists, and ICU stays have put a huge dent in our budget. It will be very hard to stand in line during our first-ever-family-vacation, and listen to a child screaming non-stop. However, if I were to see the parent of that child at least make an attempt to calm him, the situation would be more tolerable.
Having children with a disability has taught most of us to be more understanding of other people. You never know their situation. The family standing next to you may have been through hell and back and have every right to enjoy their vacation as much as you and your child do.
And remember, when you say "and if someone where to tell him to be quiet, let's just say that it wouldn't be a very magical moment for them" , you should at least go into this situation trying to prevent people from saying this. There are some people who will be mean, no matter what your situation is. In general, most people will not say anything unless it just goes too far without any intervention.
You asked the question, and I answered as best I could in an honest way. If you are offended, then so be it. It wasn't meant to offend, it was meant to remind you that you are not alone in the life-stress scenario and that it may take an extra effort on your part to keep confrontations to a minimum.
I do hope your son, and you, have a great vacation. Everyone deserves a break from reality once in a while.
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