No, My Son Didn’t Get Autism from Wi-Fi

What Autism Is NOT

1.It’s not a parenting fail.
Jayden didn’t end up autistic because we skipped baby yoga or fed him the wrong brand of yoghurt. We didn’t break the settings. He’s just wired differently—beautifully, chaotically differently.

2. It’s not the flu.
You can’t “catch it.” It doesn’t need a cure. And no, essential oils won’t “balance his energy field.” Please stop.

3. It’s not the same for everyone.
Some autistic folks talk your ear off. Others say nothing at all. Some need constant support. Others live independently. It’s not a spectrum of severity—it’s a spectrum of variation.

4. It’s not a phase.
He’s not going to “snap out of it” after a good night’s sleep or a new multivitamin. This is who he is. But with support, it can be a beautiful one.

5. It’s not caused by vaccines.
Still clinging to that one? That theory died years ago—right alongside floppy disks and Elvis is not dead. Time to catch up.

6. It’s not always visible.
Just because he’s not flapping or screaming doesn’t mean he’s not autistic. Many learn to mask just to survive your stares. That doesn’t make it any less real.

7. It’s not a tragedy.
Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s messy. But it’s not doom and gloom. Jayden’s not a cautionary and sad tale—he’s a story still being written, and some chapters are hilarious.

8. It’s not a superpower either.
He’s not a tiny Sherlock Holmes. He’s not Rain Man. He’s a kid who loves swimming, alphabet puzzles, and playing with his dinosaurs (at least for now). And that’s more than enough.

9. It’s not just bad behavior.
A meltdown is not a tantrum. It’s a full-body system overload. He’s not trying to get attention—he’s trying to survive putting on a polyester T-shirt.

10. It’s not a secret.
Don’t whisper “autism” like it’s a family scandal from the 1900s. Say it with respect. Say it with empathy. Say it like you believe every person deserves to be seen—not pitied.

Before You Speak: A Guide to Talking to Autism Parents

“I’m so sorry.”
For what? Our kid isn’t a tragedy. We’re not mourning. We’re just tired—and mostly because he woke up at 3 a.m. screaming “Watch me jump!”

“He doesn’t look autistic.”
What were you expecting? A label tattooed on his forehead? Autism doesn’t come with a uniform, Karen.

“My cousin’s kid is autistic too—he’s a genius!”
Cool. Mine just tried to redecorate my bedroom because he prefers his chair in the other corner. Let’s not compare like it’s Indonesian Got Talent show.

“Have you tried Yoga Therapy?”
Yes. Right after we tried Jamu smoothies, Tibetan bells, and sacrificing our sanity to the gods of Instagram parenting advice.

“He just needs more discipline.”
Right. And you just need fewer opinions. Try parenting a child who considers polyester shirts a form of physical assault.

“Everything happens for a reason.”
Sometimes the reason is simple: life doesn’t care about your polished parenting brochure. So skip the wisdom—offer coffee or some nanny time so Sisca and I cold jet off somewhere for a break.

“You’re such a hero.”
Honestly, we’re not asking for miracles—just a little help without the commentary. No cape required, just let us breathe.