“They Locked My Family Out—This Is Not a Movie”: Autistic Child’s Father Reveals Society’s Harsh Reality

Raising a child with autism is a unique challenge for any parent, and it becomes even more difficult when neighbors or society fail to understand the child’s needs. In a recent Instagram video, a father shared a shocking incident in which members of his housing society locked his family out of their own apartment simply because of his autistic child.

“This is not a movie; it’s real life,” he said, explaining that the relentless societal pressure eventually forced him to leave his home.

Locked Out Because of His Child
The father described how a resident of the society labeled his autistic child as “troublesome” and physically locked the family out of their flat. “No matter how polite or respectful I was, society would not accept my child. For them, he would always be a problem,” he shared.

Society Forced Them Out
After repeated harassment, the family had no choice but to vacate their home. The incident made him realize a hard truth: even if he behaved respectfully, societal prejudice against his child was impossible to overcome.

Coming to Terms with Shame and Fear
Initially, the father admitted he felt embarrassed about his child in public, primarily due to societal judgment. However, the ordeal helped him confront this fear. He understood that while he had internalized society’s expectations, it was unfair to diminish his child in front of others.

A Message to Parents of Special Needs Children
Through his video, the father urged other parents not to feel guilty or ashamed because of their child. “If you ever feel embarrassed in public because of your child, remember: you are not wrong, and your child is not wrong. The problem lies in society’s unrealistic expectations that all children should behave the same,” he said. He encouraged parents to stop apologizing for their children and to demand respect, space, and dignity for them.

The Takeaway
This father’s experience sheds light on the prejudices faced by families raising autistic children. His message is clear: society must adjust its expectations, and parents must stand firm in protecting their child’s dignity, regardless of judgment or stigma.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on an Instagram reel. Navbharat Times does not take responsibility for its accuracy or authenticity.