FREE printable autism information cards

Some people who are unfamiliar with autism may witness a tantrum and your reactions and assume that this is a child who is being abused or neglected and offer advice simply to distract you so that you will not beat the child- often, once they are aware that your wrestling on the floor is gentle restraint to prevent injury during a violent head banging session or something along those lines and they understand that this is because of a neurological disorder, they will be less on edge, and may actually help out by directing others away or watching your cart etc.

Some people have experience with autism and recognize an exhausted mother at her wit's end who needs someone to step in- the problem is that you don't want that someone to be a stranger, but if they seem knowledgeable why not get to know them a bit, once you are friends maybe they really could help you! At least in the short term, their offer to help need not feel like an insult, but a testament to the fact that others have been there and no one can do everything alone. Help really is available if only you find out where to look.

Some people may have no experience at all, but are so shocked or afraid when they witness a big meltdown or headbanging, they may feel that no parent should or can deal with this without some support- so they say something.

The thing is, when someone makes a comment about your child's behavior, before getting upset you need to consider the intent behaind the comment. When you are constantly paranoid about people judging you and saying hurtful things about your child and your parenting, anything anyone says may feel like an attack to you, even when it is not.

The FREE printable Autism Information Cards on this page are free for you to print! If you intend to use them online however, please link back to this site. I do reserve the right to restrict use of my images and do NOT authorize use of my work on sites like "Brat Free".

This free printable card is simple and has the address for the Autism Society. I am not in any way affiliated with the Autism Society , but they have great information and I highly recommend their site!

There was one guy.... oh, I REALLY wanted to tell that guy where he could stick his opinion- but I didn't.... you shouldn't, they will then just say that your behavior (in telling them to 'go away') is what is 'wrong' with your child...

The "No Win Commenters" are the ones who will no matter what deny the existence of autism, insist that your child does not have autism or ADHD, insist that your parenting methods cause this behavior (whether a bad behavior or simple quirks / harmless stimming). These are the people who will call your child a spoiled brat with NO information about the actual situation. No matter what you say, this person knows better than you....

Of course, if you politely say "My child has autism" they .....
"know a kid with it, you are doing it wrong", "they know a kid with it, YOUR kid is not autistic because he/she does not act like the other kid", "autism is a bunch of BS, it is the fashionable thing" "autism is just an excuse for parents to spoil their kids because it is easier than saying no."

Try not to take these people too seriously- anything you say or do they will twist into making it sound as if they are right. It is hard to continue on your day after an encounter with one of these people, you can do it. Remember that these types are the minority- other people DO support you! Please do not let these people influence where you decide to go with your child- then they will have won and your child should not be deprived of anything because of one person's ignorance.

If you try using the autism information cards with one of these types of commenters, please do not react if you see them rip up the card and throw it away- they are TRYING to bait you and make a statement, ignore their behavior so that they can not get that opportunity.

They really are simple- get some card stock at an office supply store- you don't need much of it. If you are using Word, there are business card templates you can use or you can make make your own!

The text that you write should include.....
1.The fact that Autism is a complex neurological disorder
2. Your child HAS autism and these behaviors and symptoms are NOT the same for every child on the spectrum
3. please visit www.some-website-you-want them- to read.com for more information (so that you are saying to them "I am NOT the only one.... there are tons of us and I can back up my claims about autism")

Aside from that, get creative! Which topics do you wish more people understood about autism? Include those!

If you don't want to make your own autism information cards, and you can't find any freebies that you like,

You might consider purchasing some!

Autism Awareness Cards by Sidther
Begin selling my artwork online at Zazzle.

I am somewhat torn... while this is one of my favorite designs, I have never been a pastel nor butterfly kind of girl- but, it did come out pretty cool! This is a simple and elegant way to hopefully walk away from awkward situations without having to feel too overwhelmed or risking a nasty argument (it really can be hard not to tell the gawkers exactly what you are thinking!)

This one has space at the bottom for you to add your favorite autism website! (wink wink nudge)

Completely customizable as always!

Sidther's Favorite Customizable Autism Awareness Behavior Information Card by Sidther
See more Autism Business Cards

This is my favorite one so far (I am still learning how to design things...). I like this one because it is succinct, has my favorite falling puzzle piece design, cool font AND has space at the bottom for you to add something along the lines of

"to learn more about autism please visit
www.some-site-you-want-to-recommend!.com"

But there is not so much that that you would have to do that- it can be left as is! I have as always, left this card completely customizable!

Autism Awareness card by Sidther
See more Autism Business Cards

The Detailed Falling Puzzle piece card gives more detailed info about autism and a better explanation of why your child behaves the way they do. This one is also customizable!

But there is not so much that that you would have to do that- it can be left as is! I have as always, left this card completely customizable!