I don't know much about Autism. I imagine it is not easy to raise a child.

I really felt for a woman at the store today. Her son was being more than difficult. Other customers were muttering under their breath about how horrible the child was or for the mother to do something about it. It really was extreme. But I felt for this woman who was clearly exhausted. Some light went on that made me stop from silently admonishing the mother and child. Then another customer in the aisle commented on what a terrible mother she must be and I found myself defending her. It occurred to me this child could have had a deeper problem that went beyond just having a tantrum. My heart went out to both her and child. I wanted to reach out to her and acknowledge I understood the rough time she was having. Would that have been too much? I need not have vocalized my suspicions.