Autism FAQ: Which battles are not worth fighting?   “I’m ready,”
called Matthew from his room, just as our family was getting
ready to leave for a “fancy” family celebration. He emerged
proudly, wearing garden boots, a nice pair of pants, it’s top
button strained by three plaid shirts (one thick flannel)
layered and tucked in.  This look was not going to work, but
Matthew didn’t back down without a fight.  “I like plaid, and I
shined my garden boots.”  When you’re a parent, you become
programmed to make the most of teachable moments from the very
beginning. “Look! there is a red light! Read means stop.” “We
don’t want to hit our friends, even if they take our toys. See
how that makes our friends feel?”  But there are times when you
have to let things slide, and when you have a child with autism,
there are battles that just aren’t worth fighting. I asked
parents on my facebook forum to share their battle tales; their
stories a reminder of how broad and varied each individual on
the autism spectrum is:  1) Food