Scout's rules

  After spending time at a family gathering this weekend, I realized more fully that everyone needs to be made aware of Scout's rules. I'm trying to help you out here people, but if you choose to break or ignore the rules, you're on your own! 

          Personal space- use it or lose it baby!
          
          I am not stupid, deaf, or a baby, and being talked to like I am really irritates me!
          
          When I make noise, it's to alleviate the overwhelming anxiety I'm feeling from sensory          
          overload. Telling me to be quiet or saying "Shhh" does NOT help!

          If you ask me to give you five or "knuckles" and I don't, count your blessings-  I see 
          that as your ok for me to slap or punch you in the face or groin!

          I am going to run around, jump, flip, and have random "ninja fits"-  I suggest you stay 
          out of the way!

          I have a mom-  let her do her job!

          If you tell me to not to do something, I'm going to do it more, harder, and louder!

          Pick your battles-  is it really that important if it will cause me to scream or punch
          you? If you think it is, let my mom deal with it!

          Distraction-  it works! If you get me interested in something fun or cool, something 
          that challenges me intellectually, it works better than telling me no (unless you try to
          talk to me like I'm a baby. I can smell condescension a mile away)!

          Don't touch! I don't like to be touched most of the time (Unless you're my mom, this
          DOES apply to you)! If you feel the urge to hug me, cover your groin! If I feel like
          hugging someone, I'll let you know!

                              

                                                     Rule #1:VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!
            Don't tickle me! I am already being bombarded by so many sensations that my brain has trouble processing, and tickling me is the worst thing you can do! My brain has trouble tuning out sensory input that your brain does automatically (the sound of kids playing when you're on the phone, the wind or feeling of your clothes on your skin, the bright sun, etc.). All of the sensory input in my environment comes at me without being filtered, and is felt/seen/heard many times more strongly than it is for you. Tickling feels more like an assault to me, and pushes me over the sensory edge. Please, even though it may be a common thing to do with other kids, remember not to touch and tickle me. I'm not like other kids. (I'm pretty sure I'm better!)

                                               Thanks so much for loving me!